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1. What Apostolic Constitution introduces the CCC?

The Apostolic Constitution Fidei Depositum introduces the CCC.
An apostolic constitution is a decree or ruling issued by the Pope.

2. How many parts does the CCC have?

The CCC has four parts.

3. What is the content of each of the four parts of the CCC?

The content of each of the four parts of the CCC is:
1. The Creed = Dogmatic theology: what the Faith is
2. The Seven Sacraments = Liturgy: what the Faith gives
3. The Ten Commandments = Moral theology: what the Faith demands
4. The Our Father = Spiritual theology: what the Faith expresses.

4. How is each of the four parts of the CCC subdivided?

Each of the four parts of the CCC is subdivided into two sections.
Note that, in the CCC, “part” indicates the larger and “section” the smaller unit.

5. What does the Latin title of the Apostolic Constitution Fídei Depósitum mean?

The Latin title of the Apostolic Constitution Fídei Depósitum means “Deposit of Faith”.
Apostolic constitutions, papal bulls or conciliar texts are often called by the two Latin words with which they begin.

6. What is the general aim of the Apostolic Constitution Fídei Depósitum?

The general aim of the Apostolic Constitution Fídei Depósitum is to explain the purpose of the new Catechism and its background.
An apostolic constitution is a decree or ruling issued by a Pope.

7. What is the content of the Apostolic Constitution Fídei Depósitum?

The content of the Apostolic Constitution Fídei Depósitum is an explanation of:
1. the drafting of the text
2. the arrangement of the material
3. the importance of the CCC for the Church.
8. Who gave the impulse for the composition of the CCC? (FD 0) An extraordinary Synod of Bishops convoked in 1985 to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the close of Vatican II gave the impulse for the composition of the CCC.
A Synod of Bishops is a meeting of bishops in Rome or a local meeting of the bishops belonging to the same ecclesiastical province or patriarchate. These meetings discuss doctrinal questions or pastoral needs.
9. Who chaired the commission that had the task of preparing a draft of the CCC? (FD 1) Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger – the later pope Benedict XVI. - chaired the commission that had the task of preparing a draft of the CCC.
10. What precedent does the CCC follow in its four-part structure? (FD 2) In its four-part structure, the CCC follows the precedent of the Catechismus Romanus, i.e. the first Catechism which was published by the Council of Trent (1545-1563).
The Council of Trent (1545-63) followed the Reformation. It rejected Protestantism and reinforced orthodoxy.
11. Who authorized the publication of the CCC? In which year? (FD 3) The publication of the CCC was authorized by Pope John Paul II in 1992.
12. What are the six points of the Prologue of the CCC? (CCC 1-25) The six points of the Prologue of the CCC are:
1. man’s call to know and love God
2. catechesis as a response to this call
3. the function of the CCC in the task of catechesis
4. the structure of the CCC
5. practical directions for using the CCC
6. the need to adapt the CCC to various ecclesiastical situations.
13. What is the purpose of the life of man? (CCC 1-2) The purpose of the life of man is to know and love God.
14. Who is involved in catechesis? (CCC 1-2) The three persons of the Holy Trinity, the apostles and all Christians are involved in catechesis.
God catechises through Christ in the Holy Spirit by means of the apostles who are helped by the faithful.
15. What is “catechesis”? (CCC 4) “Catechesis” is the Church’s efforts
1. to make disciples
2. to instruct them in the life of Christ.
16. How does Catechesi tradendae (CT) understand the term “catechesis”? (CCC 5) Catechesi tradendae (CT) understands catechesis as “education in the Faith”.
Catechesi tradendae (CT) is John Paul II’s apostolic exhortation on catechesis.
17. Which four Church Fathers devoted important parts of their work to catechesis? (CCC 8) The four Church Fathers who devoted important parts of their work to catechesis are:
1. St Cyril of Jerusalem (East, before 400)
2. St John Chrysostom (East, around 400)
3. St Ambrose (West, before 400)
4. St Augustine (West, around 400).
18. Which four saints published catechisms at the time of Trent? (CCC 9) The four saints who published catechisms at the time of Trent were:
1. St Peter Canisius, Germany († around 1600)
2. St Charles Borromeo, Italy († around 1580)
3. St Turibius of Mongrovejo, Perù († around 1600)
4. St Robert Bellarmine, Italy († around 1620).
The Council of Trent (AD 1545-63) followed the Reformation. It rejected Protestantism and reinforced orthodoxy.
19. What is the aim and intended readership of the CCC? (CCC 11-12) The aim of the CCC is to present an organic synthesis of Catholic doctrine regarding both Faith and morals. It is intended primarily for those responsible for catechesis, namely the bishops.
20. What are the four principal sources of the CCC? (CCC 11) The four principal sources of the CCC are: the Bible, the Fathers of the Church, the Liturgy and the Magisterium of the Church.
The Magisterium of the Church is the Pope (and the bishops in union with him) when he gives authentic (i.e. authoritative) interpretations of Scripture and Tradition.
21. What inspired the structure of the CCC? (CCC 13) The tradition of catechisms building catechesis on four pillars inspired the structure of the CCC.
22. On what four pillars is the CCC built? (CCC 13) The CCC is built on the four pillars of:
1. the Creed
2. the sacraments
3. the Commandments
4. Prayer, as exemplified by the Our Father.
23. How is the first part of the CCC, on the Creed, divided? (CCC 14) The first part of the CCC, on the Creed, is divided into two sections:
1. an explanation of revelation and Faith
2. an explanation of the Creed.
24. How is the second part of the CCC, on the sacraments, divided? (CCC 15) The second part of the CCC, on the sacraments, is divided into two sections:
1. an explanation of how salvation is made present in the liturgy of the Church
2. an explanation of the seven sacraments.
25. How is the third part of the CCC, on the Commandments, divided? (CCC 16) The third part of the CCC, on the Commandments, is divided into two sections:
1. the final end of man
2. an explanation of the Ten Commandments.
26. How is the fourth part of the CCC, on prayer, divided? (CCC 17) The fourth part of the CCC, on prayer, is divided into two sections:
1. the importance of prayer in the life of Faith
2. an explanation of the Our Father.
27. What must be kept in mind for the practical use of the CCC? (CCC 18) For the practical use of the CCC it must be kept in mind that the CCC is an organic presentation of Catholic doctrine and, therefore, expounds each theme in its relationship with the entirety of the Faith.
28. Why are adaptations necessary in the catechetical presentation of the Faith? (CCC 24) Adaptations are necessary in the catechetical presentation of the Faith, because of the differences of culture, age, spiritual maturity, social and ecclesial condition of those to whom Catechesis is addressed.
29. What does “to believe” mean? (CCC 26) “To believe” means man’s response to God, who reveals Himself to man and brings man a superabundant light as he searches for the ultimate meaning of his life.
This explains the order of the three chapters in section 1.1.: (1) Man’s natural desire for God is fulfilled (2) by the Revelation, which man appropriates for himself (3) through Faith.
30. Why is there in man a desire for God? (CCC 27) There is in man a desire for God, because:
1. man is created by God
2. man is created for God.
Notice that these two reasons are related to man’s origin and to his final end.
31. What in history shows that man is a religious being? (CCC 28) The many manifestations of religious beliefs in history, notwithstanding the ambiguities found therein, show that man is a religious being.
Such manifestations of religious beliefs in history are e.g.: prayers, sacrifices, rituals, meditations.
32. What does St Augustine say in his Confessions about man’s restless search for God? (CCC 30) Speaking to God St Augustine says in his Confessions about man’s restless search for God: “Our heart is restless until it rests in You.”
The Confessions are a book that St Augustine († 430) wrote as his spiritual autobiography.
33. What do we call the ways of coming to know God from His creation? (CCC 31) We call the ways of knowing God from creation the proofs for the existence of God.
34. What is a proof for the existence of God? (CCC 31) A proof for the existence of God is a converging and convincing argument that there is a God.
35. What is the twofold point of departure for the proofs for God’s existence? (CCC 31) The twofold point of departure for the proofs for the existence of God are:
1. the physical world
2. the human person.
36. Why can God be known by proofs beginning from the world? (CCC 32) God can be known by proofs beginning from the world, because some realities contained in the world cannot have their origin or end in themselves and thus require a creator who precedes them and/ or is their end.
Such realities are movement, becoming, contingency, the world’s order or beauty.
37. What is the contingency of all created being? (CCC 32) The contingency of all created being is the fact that these realities contain within themselves neither their first principle (= the reason why they exist) nor their final end (= the reason for which they exist) and thus must depend on somebody who created them for some purpose.
38. What is the locus classicus for the possibility of knowing God from His creature? (CCC 32) The locus classicus for the possibility of knowing God from His creature is Rom 1:19s.
“For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. Ever since the creation of the world His eternal power and divine nature, invisible though they are, have been understood and seen through the things He has made. So they are without excuse.”
39. Why can God be known through proofs beginning from man’s spiritual soul? (CCC 33) God can be known through proofs beginning from man’s spiritual soul, because this soul is irreducible to the merely material and therefore can have its origin and end only in the spiritual God.
40. Why does the being of all creation attest to God’s existence? (CCC 34) The being of all creation attests to God’s existence, because creation does not contain within itself its first principle or its final end. Thus, there must be a reality that is the first cause and final end of creation. This reality is called God.
41. Why is it not enough to know God through the proofs for His existence? (CCC 35) It is not enough to know God through the proofs for His existence, because these proofs can only predispose man to Faith and help him see that Faith is not opposed to reason. Man, however, is meant to have a personal and intimate relationship with God, which these proofs cannot give.
42. What Council defines the possibility of a natural knowledge of God? (CCC 36) Vatican I (AD 1869-70) defines in the Dogmatic Constitution Dei Filius the possibility of a natural knowledge of God.
Natural knowledge of God means that man can know God by the light of human reason alone.
43. Why does God reveal religious and moral truths which don’t exceed human reason? (CCC 38) God reveals religious and moral truths which don’t exceed human reason so that these truths can be known by all men:
1. with ease
2. with certainty
3. with no admixture of error.
There is no absolute need to reveal a truth that can be known by the power of human reason alone.
44. On what basis can we speak about God with all men even pagans and atheists? (CCC 39) We can speak about God with all men, even pagans and atheists, on the basis of human reason as through reason alone all men are capable of attaining a knowledge of God.
45. Why is our language about God limited? (CCC 40) Our language about God is limited, because:
1. our knowledge of Him is limited
2. we can name God only by taking creatures as our starting point.
46. How does natural theology proceed in order to obtain knowledge of God? (CCC 41-43) In order to obtain knowledge of God natural theology proceeds in three steps from the effect (creatures) to the cause (creator):
1. it names God by taking His creatures’ perfections as the starting point
2. it denies of God whatever imperfection it finds in His creatures
3. it affirms of God in a supereminent way the perfections found in His creatures.
These three steps are also called in Latin: via pósitiva, via négativa and via eminéntiae.
47. Why are the perfections of creatures a starting point in speaking about God? (CCC 41) The perfections of creatures are a starting point in speaking about God, because “from the greatness and beauty of created things comes a corresponding perception of their Creator” (Wis 13:5).
48. Of what must our language be purified when speaking about God? (CCC 42) When speaking about God, our language must be purified of everything in it that is limited, image-bound or imperfect.
49. Can human language apprehend God Himself? (CCC 43) Yes, human language can apprehend (in the CCC: attain to) God Himself, but it is unable to express Him in His infinite simplicity.
Lateran IV (AD 1215): “Between Creator and creature no similitude (resemblance) can be expressed without implying an even greater dissimilitude (non-resemblance).”
50. For what three reasons is man by nature and vocation a religious being? (CCC 44) Man is by nature and vocation a religious being, because:
1. he comes from God
2. he goes toward God
3. he lives a fully human life only if he freely lives by his bond with God.
51. What is the ultimate end of man’s life? (CCC 45) The ultimate end of man’s life is to live in communion with God.
52. How can man, without a special Revelation, arrive at certainty about God’s existence? (CCC 46) Man can, without a special Revelation, arrive at certainty about God’s existence by listening:
1. to the message of creation (area of the physical world)
2. to the voice of conscience (area of the human person).
53. Can the one true God be known with certainty from His works? (CCC 47) Yes, the one true God can be known with certainty from His works by the natural light of human reason.
54. Why can God be named starting from the manifold perfections of His creatures? (CCC 48) God can be named starting from the manifold perfections of His creatures, because they are likenesses of the infinitely perfect God.
55. What does “without the Creator, the creature vanishes” in GS 36 mean? (CCC 49) “Without the Creator, the creature vanishes” in Gaudium et Spes 36 means that the created things depend on God and that man cannot use them without referring them to their creator.
56. What are the two orders of knowledge of God? (CCC 50) The two orders of knowledge of God are
1. that of created things (= creation)
2. that of divine Revelation (= Scripture).
57. What is the ultimate reason for God revealing His “plan of loving goodness”? (CCC 51) The ultimate reason for God revealing His “plan of loving goodness” is to make men sharers in the divine nature.
58. Why, according to St Irenaeus, does God communicate Himself to man gradually? (CCC 53) According to St Irenaeus († 200) God communicates Himself to man gradually, in order to accustom man to perceive God and to accustom God to dwell in man.
St Irenaeus of Lyons (France) is one of the early Church Fathers.
59. Which are the four main stages of Revelation in the Old Testament? (CCC 54-64) The four main stages of Revelation in the Old Testament are:
1. God’s manifesting Himself to Adam and Eve
2. the covenant with Noah
3. the vocation of Abraham
4. the forming of the People of God through Moses and the prophets.
60. What was the first stage of God’s Revelation to man? (CCC 54) The first stage of God’s Revelation to man was when He manifested Himself to our first parents, Adam and Eve.
61. Was God’s first manifestation to man broken off by Adam and Eve’s sin? (CCC 55) No, God’s first manifestation to man was not broken off by Adam and Eve’s sin.
After the Fall God kept speaking to them.
62. What was the second stage of God’s Revelation to man? (CCC 56) The second stage of God’s Revelation to man was His manifestation to Noah and His covenant with him.
63. What is the covenant with Noah? (CCC 56) The covenant with Noah is God’s pact with Noah, his descendants and all the animals promising them that the earth shall never again be destroyed by a flood (Gen 9:9).
The rainbow is a sign of the covenant of God with Noah.
64. Why does God, beginning with Noah, split humanity up in many nations? (CCC 57) Beginning with Noah, God splits humanity up in many nations in order to limit the pride of fallen humanity.
65. How long does the covenant with Noah remain in force? (CCC 58) The covenant with Noah remains in force during the times of the Gentiles, until the universal proclamation of the Gospel at the end of times.
66. What was the third stage of God’s Revelation to man? (CCC 59) The third stage of God’s Revelation to man was the vocation of Abraham.
67. Why did God call Abraham from his country? (CCC 59) God called Abraham from his country in order to gather together scattered humanity.
68. What does the name Abraham mean? (CCC 59) The name Abraham means “the father of a multitude of nations”.
69. What was the task of the people descended from Abraham? (CCC 60) The task of the people descended from Abraham was:
1. to be the trustees of the promise made to Abraham
2. to prepare for that day when God would gather all His children into the Church.
70. What was the fourth stage of God’s Revelation to man? (CCC 62) The fourth stage of God’s Revelation to man was when He formed His people through Moses and the prophets.
71. How did God form His people through Moses? (CCC 62) God formed His people through Moses by:
1. freeing them from slavery in Egypt
2. establishing with them the covenant of Mount Sinai
3. giving them His Law.
The covenant of Mount Sinai contains the ten commandments and is described in Ex 19-40.
72. How did God form His people through the prophets? (CCC 64) God formed His people through the prophets by modeling them in:
1. the hope of salvation
2. the expectation of a new and everlasting Covenant.
73. What are the four features of the New Covenant announced by the prophets? (CCC 64) The four features of the New Covenant announced by the prophets are that this Covenant is:
1. new
2. everlasting
3. intended for all
4. written on the hearts.
The old Covenant was written on the tablets of the Law and intended for the Jews only.
74. Where does it say that Christ Jesus is “mediator and fullness of all Revelation”? (CCC 65) Dei Verbum 2 says that Christ Jesus is “mediator and fullness of all Revelation”.
Dei Verbum is a Vatican II document, the dogmatic Constitution on divine Revelation.
75. Why does the Revelation through Christ differ from all previous Revelation? (CCC 65) The Revelation through Christ differs from all previous Revelation, because Christ is the Father’s one, only, perfect and unsurpassable Word in whom God has said everything.
76. Why will there not be any further public revelation before the Second Coming? (CCC 66) There will not be any further public revelation before the Second Coming of Christ, because God revealed Himself fully and definitively when He sent His own Son.
77. What is the function of “private” revelations approved by the Church? (CCC 67) The function of “private” revelations approved by the Church is to help men live Christ’s Revelation more fully in a certain period of history.
A “private” revelation is a message to one or more faithful given in a supernatural way. It can be approved by the Church (e.g. the message of Our Lady to the children of Fatima).
78. What answer concerning human life did God give man by revealing Himself? (CCC 68) By revealing Himself, God gave man the answer to the question of the meaning and purpose of human life.
79. How did God reveal Himself to man? (CCC 69) God revealed Himself to man gradually in deeds and in words.
80. In what double way does God reveal Himself? (CCC 70) God reveals Himself:
1. in created things
2. in His revelation to men, beginning with our first parents.
81. Whom does the covenant with Noah include and how long will it remain in force? (CCC 71) The covenant with Noah includes all living beings and will remain in force as long as the world lasts.
82. What did God give to His people through Moses? (CCC 72) Through Moses God gave to His people the Law.
83. When did God reveal Himself fully and definitively? (CCC 73) God revealed Himself fully and definitively when He sent His own Son.
84. Why must divine Revelation be transmitted to all? (CCC 74) Divine Revelation must be transmitted to all, because God desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.
85. Where does Scripture indicate that God wants all men to know His Revelation? (CCC 74) Scripture indicates in 1 Tim 2:4 that God wants all men to know His Revelation.
86. How did the Apostolic Tradition begin and continue? (CCC 75-79) The Apostolic Tradition began with the preaching of the apostles and continues in the apostolic succession (bishops).
87. In which two ways was the Gospel handed on by the apostles? (CCC 76) The Gospel was handed on by the apostles both orally and in writing.
“Orally” (literally: by word of mouth) includes preaching, example and the establishment of institutions. “In writing” means through the composition of texts.
88. Why did the apostles leave bishops as their successors? (CCC 77) The apostles left bishops as their successors so that the Gospel might be preserved in its entirety by the Church until the Second Coming of Christ.
89. What is Tradition? (CCC 78) Tradition is all that the Church is and believes handed on by the apostles and their successors the bishops until the end of time.
Tradition comes from Latin trádere which means “to hand on”.
90. Where does Vatican II explain the relationship between Tradition and Scripture? (CCC 80) Vatican II explains the relationship between Tradition and Scripture in Dei Verbum 9.
Dei Verbum is a Vatican II document, the dogmatic Constitution on divine Revelation.
91. How are Tradition and Scripture bound closely together according to Dei Verbum 9? (CCC 80) According to Dei Verbum 9, Tradition and Scripture are bound closely together as both of them flow from the same divine well-spring and move toward the same goal.
92. How are Scripture and Tradition two distinct modes of transmission of Revelation? (CCC 81-82) Scripture and Tradition are two distinct modes of transmission of Revelation, inasmuch as:
1. in Scripture: the speech of God is handed over under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit
2. in Tradition: the whole Revelation entrusted to the apostles is handed on.
Here the CCC uses “Word of God” in the sense of “Revelation” which is the self-communication of God to men.
93. What are ecclesial traditions? (CCC 83) Ecclesial traditions are particular changeable forms, adapted to different places and times, in which the Tradition is expressed.
Tradition is all that the Church is and believes handed on by the apostles and their successors until the end of time.
94. To whom has the interpretation of the heritage of Faith been entrusted? (CCC 85) The interpretation of the heritage of Faith has been entrusted to the bishops in communion with the pope.
95. What is the heritage of Faith? (CCC 84) The heritage of Faith is the “sacred deposit” of the Faith contained in Scripture and Tradition.
The deposit of Faith (Latin: depósitum fídei) is the whole of Scripture and Tradition which the apostles entrusted to the Church.
96. What is the Magisterium of the Church? (CCC 85) The Magisterium of the Church is her teaching office.
97. What is the task of the Magisterium of the Church? (CCC 85) The task of the Magisterium of the Church is to give an authentic interpretation of Scripture and Tradition.
“Authentic” means: authoritative, reliable, true, valid.
98. In whose name does the Magisterium of the Church teach? (CCC 85) The Magisterium of the Church teaches in the name of Jesus Christ.
99. Who forms the Magisterium of the Church? (CCC 85) The bishops in communion with the pope form the Magisterium of the Church.
100. Is the Magisterium superior to the Word of God? (CCC 86) No, the Magisterium is the servant of the Word of God, not superior to it.
Word of God means here according to Dei Verbum 10 the sacred Tradition and the sacred Scripture.
101. With what attitude must the faithful receive the teachings and directives of their pastors? (CCC 87) The faithful must receive the teachings and directives of their pastors with docility.
102. When does the Church’s Magisterium exercise its authority to the fullest extent? (CCC 88) The Church’s Magisterium exercises its authority to the fullest extent when it defines a dogma.
103. What is a dogma? (CCC 88) A dogma is a truth proposed by the Church’s Magisterium in a form obliging the believers to an irrevocable adherence of Faith.
A dogma must be contained in divine Revelation or have a necessary connection with it.
104. What is the “hierarchy of truth”, present in Catholic doctrine? (CCC 90) The “hierarchy of truth” is the order or relationship that exists between the truths of Catholic doctrine.
“Hierarchy of truth” does not mean that some truths of Faith are less true than others or that some are essential and others not.
105. What is the “sense of Faith”? (CCC 92) The “sense of Faith” is the supernatural appreciation of Faith by the faithful as a whole.
The “sense of Faith” (Latin: sénsus fídei) guarantees that the faithful infallibly assent to the message of Faith (Latin: infallibílitas in credéndo).
106. How is the inerrancy of the whole body of the faithful in matters of belief visible? (CCC 92) The inerrancy of the whole body of the faithful in matters of belief is visible when all, from the bishops to the last of the faithful, show a universal consent in matters of Faith and morals.
107. In which three ways does the Church’s understanding of the Faith grow? (CCC 94) The three ways in which the Church’s understanding of the Faith grows are:
1. study (theology),
2. spiritual life (sanctity) and
3. the preaching of the bishops (Magisterium).
108. How did the apostles hand on Christ’s doctrine? (CCC 96) The apostles handed on Christ’s doctrine by their preaching and writing, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit.
109. What comprises the sacred deposit of the Word of God? (CCC 97) Tradition and Scripture comprise the sacred deposit of the Word of God.
110. What is the function of the Church in transmitting divine Revelation? (CCC 98) The function of the Church in transmitting divine Revelation is to perpetuate and hand on to every generation all that she herself is and believes.
111. What is the function of the supernatural sense of Faith? (CCC 99) The function of the supernatural sense of Faith (sénsus fídei) is to help the faithful assent to divine Revelation.
112. Who has the responsibility of interpreting the Word of God authentically? (CCC 100) The Magisterium of the Church, that is, the Pope and the bishops in communion with him, has the responsibility of interpreting the Word of God (= Tradition and Scripture) authentically.
113. What do we mean when we say that Christ is the unique Word of Scripture? (CCC 102) When we say that Christ is the unique word of Scripture we mean that, through all the words of the Bible, God speaks only one single Word, namely the Word who is Christ.
Hebr 1,2: In these last days, God has spoken to us by His Son.
114. Who guarantees the inspiration and truth of Sacred Scripture? (CCC 105) God guarantees the inspiration and truth of Sacred Scripture.
115. Who is the author of Sacred Scripture? (CCC 105) God is the author of Sacred Scripture.
116. Why does the Church accept the biblical books as sacred and canonical? (CCC 105) The Church accepts the biblical books as sacred and canonical, because they were written under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit and thus have God as their author.
“Canonical” means belonging to the canon of Scripture, the list of all biblical books.
117. How did God inspire the “human authors” of the sacred books? (CCC 106) God inspired the “human authors” of the sacred books by acting in and through them, all the while they made full use of their own faculties and powers.
The human authors are also referred to as the sacred authors or writers.
118. How does the inspired text of Sacred Scripture teach the truth? (CCC 107) The inspired text of Sacred Scripture teaches the truth firmly, faithfully and without error.
119. Why is the Christian Faith not a “religion of the book”? (CCC 108) The Christian Faith is not a “religion of the book”, because it is not centered around a written and mute word, but around the incarnate and living Word.
120. Who is the true interpreter of Scripture? (CCC 109) The true interpreter of Scripture is the Holy Spirit.
121. To what must the faithful be attentive in order to interpret Scripture correctly? (CCC 109) In order to interpret Scripture correctly, the faithful must be attentive to:
1. what the human authors truly affirm and
2. what God wants to reveal to us by the words of the Bible.
122. How can the reader discover the human authors’ intention? (CCC 110) The reader can discover the human authors’ intention by taking into account:
1. the conditions of their time and culture
2. the literary genres in use at that time
3. the modes of feeling, speaking and narrating then current.
The human authors are also referred to as the sacred authors or writers.
123. In what light must Scripture be read and interpreted? (CCC 111) Scripture must be read and interpreted in the light of the same Spirit by whom it was written.
124. What three guidelines for interpreting the Bible does Vatican II indicate? (CCC 112-114) Vatican II indicates the following three guidelines for interpreting the Bible:
1. attention to the content and unity of the whole Scripture
2. adherence to the Church’s Tradition
3. mindfulness of the analogy of Faith.
The “analogy of Faith” means the harmony or coherence of the truths of Faith relative to one another and within the whole plan of Revelation.
125. How many senses of Scripture are there traditionally? (CCC 115) Traditionally, there are two senses of Scripture, the literal sense and the spiritual sense.
126. How can the spiritual sense of Scripture be subdivided? (CCC 115) The spiritual sense of Scripture can be subdivided into three senses: the allegorical, moral and anagogical.
The allegorical sense refers to dogmatic truths, the moral sense refers to human behaviour, the anagogical sense refers to the world to come (Judgment, Heaven, Hell and Purgatory).
127. What is the literal sense of Scripture? (CCC 116) The literal sense of Scripture is the plain meaning conveyed by the words of the text.
128. How can the spiritual sense of Scripture be discovered? (CCC 117) The spiritual sense of Scripture can be discovered by interpreting the text or the realities and events mentioned therein, as signs that point to a dogmatic, moral or eschatological meaning.
“Eschatological” means referring to the Last Things (Judgment, Heaven, Hell and Purgatory).
129. How can the allegorical sense of Scripture be discovered? (CCC 117) The allegorical sense of Scripture can be discovered by reading the realities or events reported in the Old Testament as signs of Christ and His Church.
Example: The crossing of the Red Sea by the Israelites is seen as a sign of the sacrament of Baptism.
130. How can the moral sense of Scripture be discovered? (CCC 117) The moral sense of Scripture can be discovered by reading the realities and events reported therein as a guide for acting justly.
Example: The crossing of the Red Sea by the Israelites is seen as sign that we have to leave behind us our many sins.
131. How can the anagogical sense of Scripture be discovered? (CCC 117) The anagogical sense of Scripture can be discovered by reading the realities and events reported therein in terms of their eternal significance.
Example: The crossing of the Red Sea by the Israelites and their walking trough the desert is seen as a sign of the faithful departed who have to go through death and judgment in order to enter heaven.
132. How can the four senses of Scripture be summarized? (CCC 118) The four senses of Scripture can be summarized according to the words of a medieval couplet:
1. the letter teaches the deeds
2. the allegory what you should believe
3. the moral [sense] what you should do
4. the anagogy where you tend ultimately.
In Latin: Líttera gésta dócet, quid crédas allegoría/ morális quid ágas, quo téndas anagogía (Augustine of Dacia).
133. Who may assist the Church in interpreting Scripture? (CCC 119) Exegetes may assist the Church in interpreting Scripture but all interpretations are ultimately subject to the judgment of the divinely-conferred authority of the Church.
Exegesis is the exposition of Scripture.
134. How does St Augustine explain his Faith in the Gospel? (CCC 119) St Augustine († 430) explains his Faith in the Gospel thus: “But I would not believe in the Gospel, had not the authority of the Catholic Church already moved me.”
135. What is the canon of Scripture? (CCC 120) The canon of Scripture is the complete list of all the sacred books contained in the Bible.
136. Who established the canon of Scripture? (CCC 120) The Church established the canon of Scripture.
137. How did the Church discern which writings constituted the sacred books? (CCC 120) It was by Apostolic Tradition that the Church discerned which writings constituted the sacred books.
138. How many are the books of the Old and New Testament? (CCC 120) The books of the Old Testament are 46, the books of the New Testament are 27.
139. What is the function of the Old Testament in the economy of salvation? (CCC 122) The function of the Old Testament in the economy of salvation is to prepare and declare the coming of Christ.
The economy of salvation is the works by which God reveals Himself to the outside.
140. What is Marcionism? (CCC 123) Marcionism is an early heresy rejecting the Old Testament under the pretext that the New Testament has rendered the Old Testament void.
Marcionism is called after the first advocate of this heresy, Marcion.
141. What is the most important part of all the Holy Scriptures? (CCC 125) The most important part of all the Holy Scriptures are the Gospels.
142. What are the three stages in the formation of the Gospels? (CCC 126) The three stages in the formation of the Gospels are:
1. the life and teaching of Christ
2. oral tradition
3. the written accounts.
143. What is the discipline called that illuminates the unity of the two Testaments? (CCC 128) The discipline that illuminates the unity of the two Testaments is called typology.
Typology is the discernment of prefigurations in the Old Testament anticipating the things to come in the New Testament e.g.: the manna of the Exodus is a prefiguration of the Holy Eucharist.
144. How does St Augustine explain the relationship between the OT and NT? (CCC 129) St Augustine († 430) explains the relationship between the Old Testament and New Testament by saying that “the New Testament lies hidden in the Old and the Old Testament is unveiled in the New.”
“Novum in Vetere latet et in Novo Vetus patet” (S. Agustín, Hept. 2,73)
145. What is the role of Sacred Scripture in the life of the Church? (CCC 131) The role of Sacred Scripture in the life of the Church is:
1. to support and invigorate the Church
2. to strengthen and nourish the Faith, soul and spiritual life of Christians.
146. What is the very soul of theology according to Dei Verbum 24? (CCC 132) According to Dei Verbum 24 the study of the sacred Scriptures is the very soul of theology.
Dei Verbum is a Vatican II document, the dogmatic Constitution on divine Revelation.
147. What was the study of the Bible called in the past? (CCC 132) In the past, the study of the Bible was called “study of the sacred page”.
148. What does St Jerome say about ignorance of the Scriptures? (CCC 133) St Jerome († 420) says about ignorance of the Scriptures that it is ignorance of Christ.
149. What is the content of all Sacred Scripture in two words? (CCC 134) The content of all Sacred Scripture in two words is Jesus Christ.
150. Why do the Sacred Scriptures truly contain the Word of God? (CCC 135) The Sacred Scriptures truly contain the Word of God, because they are inspired.
151. Why do we call God the author of Sacred Scripture? (CCC 136) We call God the author of Sacred Scripture, because He inspired its human authors.
152. To what above all must interpretation of the inspired Scripture be attentive? (CCC 137) The interpretation of the inspired Scripture must above all be attentive to what God reveals through the human authors for our salvation.
153. How many are the books of the Old Testament and New Testament respectively? (CCC 138) The books of the Old Testament are 46 and the books of the New Testament 27.
154. Why do the four Gospels occupy a central place in the Church? (CCC 139) The four Gospels occupy a central place in the Church, because Christ Jesus is their centre.
155. Where does the unity of the two Testaments come from? (CCC 140) The unity of the two Testaments comes from the unity of God’s plan and His Revelation.
156. What does the Bible have in common with the Eucharist? (CCC 141) The Bible has in common with the Eucharist that both nourish and govern the Christian life, though in different ways.
157. What is the adequate response to God’s invitation into His company? (CCC 142) The adequate response to God’s invitation into His company is Faith.
158. What does man do in the act of Faith with his intellect and will? (CCC 143) In the act of Faith man completely submits his intellect and his will to God.
159. Who is the model and who the most perfect embodiment of the obedience of Faith? (CCC 144) Abraham is the model of the obedience of Faith, while Our Lady is its most perfect embodiment.
160. Where does the word “to obey” come from? (CCC 144) The word “to obey” comes from the Latin ob-audíre .
Audíre means “to hear”, “to listen to”.
161. Where does the Letter to the Hebrews praise the Faith of Israel’s ancestors? (CCC 145) The Letter to the Hebrews praises the Faith of Israel’s ancestors in Hebr 11.
162. How is Faith defined in Hebr 11:1? (CCC 146) Faith is defined in Hebr 11:1 as “the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen”.
163. Who is the father of all believers? (CCC 146) Abraham is the father of all believers.
164. Why is Our Lady called blessed by all generations? (CCC 148) Our Lady is called blessed by all generations because of the Faith that she showed to the angel who announced to her the birth of the Messiah.
165. What two essentials of Faith does the phrase “I know whom I have believed” state? (CCC 150) The phrase “I know whom I have believed” states the two essentials of Faith:
1. an assent to God’s truth involving knowledge
2. a personal adherence to God involving belief.
166. Why does Faith in God Father require Faith in Jesus Christ? (CCC 151) Faith in God Father requires Faith in Jesus Christ, because He Himself is God.
167. Why does Faith in God Father and Jesus Christ require Faith in the Holy Spirit? (CCC 152) Faith in God Father and Jesus Christ requires Faith in the Holy Spirit, because He Himself is God.
168. How are the seven characteristics of Faith connected? (CCC 153-165) The seven characteristics of Faith are connected in this way: Faith is God’s gift and thus (1) a grace. Grace works upon (2) a human act. This act is an act of (3) knowledge and must be (4) free. Yet Faith is (5) necessary for salvation. Thus man must (6) persevere in it for it anticipates (7) eternal life.
169. What must God’s grace do in man so that he can exercise Faith? (CCC 153) God’s grace must move and assist man so that he can exercise Faith.
170. In what way is believing an act of the human intellect? (CCC 155) Believing is an act of the human intellect inasmuch as the human intellect assents to the divine truth.
This assent is given by command of the will which is moved by God through grace.
171. Which external proofs make us understand that Faith is in accordance with reason? (CCC 156) The external proofs that make us understand that Faith is in accordance with reason are:
1. the miracles of Christ and His saints
2. the prophecies contained in the Old and New Testament
3. the Church’s growth, holiness, fruitfulness and stability.
These external proofs are also called motives of credibility (in Latin: motíva credibilitátis).
172. What are motives of credibility? (CCC 156) Motives of credibility are external proofs and most certain signs of divine Revelation, adapted to the intelligence of all, which show that the assent of Faith is by no means a blind impulse of the mind.
173. Why is Faith more certain than all human knowledge? (CCC 157) Faith is more certain than all human knowledge, because it is founded on the very Word of God who cannot lie.
The certainty that the divine light gives is greater than that which the light of natural reason gives.
174. Why does Faith seek understanding, according to St Anselm? (CCC 158) According to St Anselm († around 1100), Faith seeks understanding, because it is natural for a believer to desire to know better and more the One in whom he believes.
175. How does St Augustine relate Faith to understanding? (CCC 158) St Augustine († 430) relates Faith to understanding by saying: “I believe, in order to understand; and I understand, the better to believe.”
176. Why can there not be any real discrepancy between Faith and reason? (CCC 159) There cannot be any real discrepancy between Faith and reason, because truth can never contradict truth.
Thus, Faith and true science cannot contradict each other.
177. Why must the act of Faith be a free act? (CCC 160) The act of Faith must be a free act, because without freedom it would not be a human act.
A “human act” (actus humánus) is an act freely chosen in consequence of a judgment of conscience.
178. Can anybody obtain eternal life without Faith? (CCC 161) No, without Faith nobody can obtain eternal life.
Mk 16:16: “He who believes and is baptised will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.”
179. What must we do to live, grow and persevere in Faith to the end? (CCC 162) To live, grow and persevere in Faith to the end, we must:
1. nourish it with the Word of God
2. beg the Lord to increase it
3. work through Faith, hope and charity.
The Word of God is contained in sacred Scripture and in sacred Tradition.
180. Why is Faith the beginning of eternal life? (CCC 163) Faith is the beginning of eternal life, because in it we have a foretaste of the light of the beatific vision when we shall see God face to face as He is.
181. Who is “the pioneer and perfecter of our Faith”? According to what sacred text? (CCC 165) Jesus Christ is “the pioneer and perfecter of our Faith” according to Hebr 12.
182. Why is our personal faith intimately tied to the Church? (CCC 166) Our personal faith is intimately tied to the Church, because:
1. we have received it from the Church
2. we are kept in it by the Church
3. we should hand it on to future members of the Church.
183. What does the “I believe” of the Apostolic Creed express? (CCC 167) The “I believe” of the Apostolic Creed expresses the Faith of the Church professed personally by each believer in the liturgy (e.g. Baptism).
184. What does the “We believe” of the Niceno-Constantinopolitan Creed express? (CCC 167) The “We believe” of the Niceno-Constantinopolitan Creed expresses the Faith professed by the bishops assembled in council.
The “Niceno-Constantinopolitan Creed” is the Creed formulated by Nicaea I (AD 325) and Constantinople I (AD 381).
185. Why do we pray “Lord, look upon the Faith of Your Church”? (CCC 168) We pray “Lord, look upon the Faith of Your Church”, because it is the Church that believes first and so bears, nourishes and sustains my Faith.
186. Why is the Church our mother? (CCC 169) The Church is our mother, because we receive through her the life of Faith.
187. Do we believe in the formulas of the language of Faith? (CCC 170) We do not believe in the formulas of the language of Faith, but in the realities they express.
188. Why are the formulas of the language of Faith important? (CCC 170) The formulas of the language of Faith are important, because through them we approach, express, celebrate, assimilate and hand the Faith on.
189. Why does the Church teach us the language of Faith? (CCC 171) The Church teaches us the language of Faith in order to introduce us to the understanding and the life of Faith.
190. Why is there only one Faith? (CCC 172) There is only one Faith, because the one Faith is received from the one Lord, transmitted by one Baptism and grounded in the conviction that all people have only one God and Father.
191. What is Faith? (CCC 176) Faith is a personal adherence of the whole man to God, involving an assent of the intellect and will.
192. What twofold reference does believing have? (CCC 177) Believing has a twofold reference:
1. to the witnessing person
2. to the witnessed truth.
193. In whom must we believe? (CCC 178) We must believe in God: the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.
194. Why does man need the interior helps of the Holy Spirit in order to believe? (CCC 179) Man needs the interior helps of the Holy Spirit in order to believe, because Faith is a supernatural gift from God.
195. In what way is “to believe” a human act? (CCC 180) “To believe” is a human act as much as it is conscious and free.
196. Why is our personal faith intimately tied to the Church? (CCC 181) Our personal faith is intimately tied to the Church, because:
1. we have received it from the Church
2. we are kept in it by the Church
3. we should hand it on to future members of the Church.
197. What do we believe? (CCC 182) We believe all that is written or handed down in the word of God and that the Church proposes for belief.
198. Where does Christ show that Faith is necessary for salvation? (CCC 183) Christ shows that Faith is necessary for salvation when He says: “He who believes and is baptised will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned” (Mk 16:16).
199. How is Faith connected to the life to come? (CCC 184) Faith is connected to the life to come, because it is a foretaste of it.
200. What is a Creed? (CCC 186) A Creed is an organic summary of the essential elements of the Church’s Faith.
201. Why did the Church start to write Creeds? (CCC 186) The Church started to write Creeds in order to express and hand on her Faith in brief formulae, which were intended especially for candidates for Baptism.
202. What are two other names for a Creed? (CCC 187) Two other names for a Creed are:
1. profession of Faith
2. symbol of Faith.
203. Why are creeds so called? (CCC 187) Creeds are so called from the Latin word with which they often begin, “credo”: I believe.
204. Why are the Creeds called “symbols of Faith”? (CCC 187-188) The Creeds are called “symbols of Faith”, because symbolon in Greek means:
1. a summary
2. one half of a broken object presented as a token of recognition.
205. When is the first profession of Faith made in the life of a Christian? (CCC 189) The first profession of Faith in the life of a Christian is made during Baptism.
206. Why is the baptismal Creed proposed in a Trinitarian form? (CCC 189) The baptismal Creed is proposed in a Trinitarian form, because Baptism is given in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.
The baptismal Creed contains the truths of Faith professed during Baptism.
207. How many parts does the Creed have? Why? (CCC 190) The Creed has three parts, because the Faith is presented in reference to the three Trinitarian persons.
208. What do the three parts of the Creed speak about? (CCC 190) The three parts of the Creed speak, respectively, about:
1. the Father and Creation
2. the Son and Redemption
3. the Holy Spirit and Sanctification.
209. What are the “articles” of the Creed? How many are they? (CCC 191) The “articles” of the Creed are the distinct truths out of which the Creed is composed. They can be reckoned as three, or more commonly, as twelve.
210. How many are the “articles” of the Creed? (CCC 191) The “articles” of the Creed can be reckoned as three, or more commonly, as twelve.
211. What three sources have produced Creeds? (CCC 192) The three sources that have produced Creeds are:
1. the ancient Churches
2. Councils
3. popes.
212. What are the two most important Creeds in the Church’s life? (CCC 193-195) The two most important Creeds in the Church’s life are:
1. the Apostles’ Creed
2. the Niceno-Constantinopolitan Creed.
213. Why is the Apostles’ Creed called so? (CCC 194) The Apostles’ Creed is called so, because it is a faithful short summary of the apostles’ Faith.
214. Why does the Apostles’ Creed have a great authority? (CCC 194) The Apostles’ Creed has a great authority, because it is the ancient baptismal symbol of the Church of Rome, the See of Peter, the first of the apostles.
215. Why does the Niceno-Constantinopolitan Creed have a great authority? (CCC 195) The Niceno-Constantinopolitan Creed has a great authority, because it stems from the first two ecumenical Councils, Nicaea I (AD 325) and Constantinople I (AD 381).
216. Which Creed does the presentation of the Faith in the CCC follow? (CCC 196) The presentation of the Faith in the CCC follows the Apostles’ Creed.
This presentation is completed by constant reference to the Niceno-Constantinopolitan Creed.
217. Why does the Creed begin with God the Father? (CCC 198) The Creed begins with God the Father, because the Father is the first Divine Person of the Most Holy Trinity.
218. What is the first and most fundamental affirmation of the Apostles’ Creed? (CCC 199) The first and most fundamental affirmation of the Apostles’ Creed is: “I believe in God”.
The other articles of the Creed all depend on this affirmation.
219. To what does the oneness expressed in “I believe in one God” refer? (CCC 200) The oneness expressed in “I believe in one God” refers to God’s:
1. nature
2. substance
3. essence.
220. What is the locus classicus for the oneness of God in the Old Testament? (CCC 201) The locus classicus for the oneness of God in the Old Testament is Deut 6,4.
“Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God is one.”
221. Why is Faith in three Divine Persons not contrary to belief in the One God? (CCC 202) Faith in three Divine Persons is not contrary to belief in the One God, because these Persons are united in one essence, substance or nature entirely simple.
222. What is the Old Testament locus classicus where God reveals His name? (CCC 204) The Old Testament locus classicus where God reveals His name is Ex 3,13-15.
God reveals His name to Moses during the theophany of the burning bush.
223. What name of His does God reveal to Moses from the burning bush? (CCC 205) The name of His that God reveals to Moses from the burning bush is: “I am who I am.”
224. Why is the name that God reveals in Ex 3 mysterious? (CCC 206) The name that God reveals in Ex 3 is mysterious, because it is at once a name revealed and something like the refusal of a name.
225. How is God commonly called in the Hebrew Bible? (CCC 209) In the Hebrew Bible God is commonly called Yhwh.
Yhwh is pronounced in Greek “Kyrios” and in English: “Lord”.
226. How does the Septuagint understand the divine name in Ex 3? (CCC 213) The Septuagint understands the divine name “I am who I am” in the sense that God is the fullness of Being and perfection, without beginning and end.
The Septuagint is the Greek translation of the Old Testament.
227. What is God, “He who is” chiefly and essentially? (CCC 214) God, “He who is” is chiefly and essentially Truth and Love.
228. In what three ways does God’s truth particularly shine forth? (CCC 215-217) The three ways in which God’s truth particularly shines forth are:
1. His words
2. His wisdom in creation
3. His Son.
229. What is the locus classicus for the affirmation that “God is love”? (CCC 221) The locus classicus for the affirmation that “God is love” is 1 Jn 4.
230. What are the five implications of Faith in one God? (CCC 222-227) The five implications of Faith in one God are that through Faith we receive (1) knowledge of God. This causes in us an attitude of (2) thanksgiving through which we understand (3) men, (4) things and (5) circumstances.
231. Why is God’s oneness indispensable? (CCC 228) God’s oneness is indispensable, because the supreme being must be unique, without equal: If God is not one, He is not God.
232. What three basic attitudes does Faith in God cause in the believer? (CCC 229) Faith in God causes in the believer:
1. to turn to God alone
2. to prefer nothing to Him
3. to substitute nothing for Him.
233. How does St Augustine express God’s inscrutability? (CCC 230) St Augustine († 430) expresses God’s inscrutability by saying: If you understood Him, it would not be God.
234. As what has God revealed Himself? (CCC 231) God has revealed Himself as the one (1) who is (2) Truth and (3) Love.
235. Why are we baptised in the name (sg.) of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit? (CCC 233) We are baptised in the name (sg.) of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, because there is only one God.
236. What is the central mystery of Christian Faith and life? (CCC 234) The central mystery of Christian Faith and life is the mystery of the Most Holy Trinity.
237. From which two points of view can one look at the Trinity? (CCC 236) One can look at the Trinity from the point of view of:
1. theology meaning God’s inmost life within the Trinity
2. economy meaning the works by which God reveals Himself to the outside.
238. Why is the Trinity a “mystery of Faith in the strict sense”? (CCC 237) The Trinity is a “mystery of Faith in the strict sense”, because it can never be known unless it is revealed by God.
239. What are the “traces of the Trinity”? (CCC 237) The “traces of the Trinity” are marks of God’s Trinitarian being that He has left in creation and in the Revelation of the Old Testament.
240. What is the first stage in the revelation of God as Trinity? (CCC 238) The first stage in the Revelation of God as Trinity is His Revelation as the Father.
241. What two things do we mean when we call God “Father”? (CCC 239) When we call God “Father” we mean that God is:
1. the first origin of everything
2. goodness for His Children.
242. Why does the experience of fallible human parents not disfigure God’s Fatherhood? (CCC 239) The experience of fallible human parents does not disfigure God’s Fatherhood, because the Divine Fatherhood is the origin and standard of human fatherhood and not vice versa.
243. In what twofold sense is God a Father? (CCC 240) God is a Father
1. in being Creator
2. in His eternal relation to His only Son.
244. With what term does Nicaea I define the Son’s essential bond with the Father? (CCC 242) Nicaea I (AD 325) defines the Son’s essential bond with the Father with the term consubstantial.
The term “consubstantial” translates the Greek word homoousios which was rendered in Latin by consubstantiális.
245. What does it mean that the Son is “consubstantial” with the Father? (CCC 242) That the Son is “consubstantial” with the Father means that He is one only God with Him.
246. How does Christ reveal the existence of a third Divine Person, the Holy Spirit? (CCC 243) Christ reveals the existence of a third Divine Person before His Passover by announcing the sending of “another Paraclete” (= counsellor), the Holy Spirit.
247. What ecumenical council confessed the apostolic Faith concerning the Holy Spirit? (CCC 245) The ecumenical council that confessed the apostolic Faith concerning the Holy Spirit was Constantinople I.
Constantinople I (AD 381): “We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord and giver of life, who proceeds from the Father.”
248. What does the Latin Creed confess about the procession of the Holy Spirit? (CCC 246) The Latin Creed confesses about the procession of the Holy Spirit that He “proceeds from the Father and the Son”.
“And the Son” is in Latin: filióque .
249. How does the Council of Florence explain the “filióque”? (CCC 246) The Council of Florence (AD 1438-45) explains the “filióque” according to the following syllogism:
(1) The Father has given to the Son everything that He is, except His being the Father.
(2) This includes also the procession of the Spirit from the Father.
(3) Therefore the Holy Spirit proceeds from the Father and the Son.
A syllogism is a form of reasoning in which a conclusion is deduced from two given or assumed propositions.
250. Does the “filióque” appear in the original Niceno-Constantinopolitan Creed? (CCC 247) No, the “filióque” does not appear in the original Niceno-Constantinopolitan Creed.
The “filióque” is a later explanation that entered the Latin Church between the eighth and eleventh centuries.
251. Who was the first pope to confess the “filióque”? (CCC 247) The first pope to confess the “filióque” was Pope Leo the Great in AD 447.
252. How did the “filióque” enter the Latin Church and Liturgy? (CCC 247) The “filióque” entered the Latin Church and Liturgy gradually between the eighth and eleventh centuries.
253. What does the Eastern tradition of the procession of the Spirit affirm? (CCC 248) The Eastern tradition of the procession of the Spirit affirms that the Spirit comes from the Father through the Son.
254. What does the Western tradition of the procession of the Spirit affirm? (CCC 248) The Western tradition of the procession of the Holy Spirit affirms the consubstantial communion between Father and Son by saying that the Holy Spirit proceeds from the Father and the Son .
255. Where is the first appearance of the Holy Trinity in the teaching of the Faith? (CCC 249) The first appearance of the Holy Trinity in the teaching of the Faith is its presentation in the context of the Trinitarian baptismal formula.
256. What is the famous Trinitarian formula in St Paul? (CCC 249) The famous Trinitarian formula in St Paul is: “The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all” (2 Cor 13).
257. What are the three key-terms in the theology of the Trinity? (CCC 251) The three key-terms in the theology of the Trinity are:
1. substance
2. person
3. relation.
A mnemonic for these is SPQR (meaning originally: Senatus Populusque Romanus).
258. What do the three key terms in the Trinitarian doctrine designate? (CCC 252) The three key terms in the Trinitarian doctrine designate the following:
1. “substance” designates the unity in God
2. “person” designates the distinctions in God
3. “relation” designates the relationships in God.
259. What terms can be used instead of “substance” in speaking about the Trinity? (CCC 252) In speaking about the Trinity, the terms “essence” or “nature” can be used instead of “substance”.
260. What term can be used instead of “person” in speaking about the Trinity? (CCC 252) In speaking about the Trinity, the term “hypostasis” can be used instead of “person”.
“Hypostasis” is Greek and literally means “substance”. The term is also used in other contexts.
261. How does Toledo XI explain that the Trinity is One? (CCC 253) Toledo XI explains that the Trinity is One by saying: “The Father is that which the Son is, the Son is that which the Father is, the Father and the Son are that which the Holy Spirit is, i.e., by nature One God.”
Toledo XI was a regional council in Spain that assembled the local bishops in AD 675.
262. How does Toledo XI explain that the Divine Persons are really distinct from one another? (CCC 254) Toledo XI explains that the Divine Persons are really distinct from one another by saying: “He who is the Son is not the Father and He who is the Father is not the Son, nor is the Holy Spirit He who is the Father or the Son.”
263. How does Toledo XI explain the relations between the Trinitarian Persons? (CCC 255) Toledo XI explains the relations between the Trinitarian Persons by saying: “In the relational names of the Persons the Father is related to the Son, the Son to the Father, the Holy Spirit to both.”
264. How does St Gregory of Nazianzus speak about God’s simultaneous Unity and Trinity? (CCC 256) St Gregory of Nazianzus (before AD 400) speaks about God’s simultaneous unity and Trinity by saying: “I have not even begun to think of Unity when the Trinity bathes me in its splendour. I have not even begun to think of the Trinity when Unity grasps me.”
265. How does the plan of God’s loving kindness unfold in the Divine works? (CCC 257) The plan of God’s loving kindness unfolds in the Divine works through:
1. the work of creation
2. the history of salvation after the Fall
3. the missions of the Son and the Spirit
4. the mission of the Church.
266. How do the Persons of the Trinity participate in the one Trinitarian operation? (CCC 258) The Persons of the Trinity participate in the one Trinitarian operation according to their unique personal properties.
Constantinople II (AD 553): “One God and Father from whom all things are and one Lord Jesus Christ, through whom all things are and one Holy Spirit in whom all things are”.
267. Where is the property of Jesus Christ’s Divine Person shown forth above all? (CCC 258) The property of Jesus Christ’s Divine Person is shown forth above all in the divine mission of the Son’s Incarnation.
268. Where is the property of the Spirit’s Divine Person shown forth above all? (CCC 258) The property of the Spirit’s Divine Person is shown forth above all in the Divine mission of the gift of the Holy Spirit.
269. Why can one Trinitarian Person not be adored to the exclusion of the others? (CCC 259) One Trinitarian Person cannot be adored to the exclusion of the others, because the whole Christian life is a communion with each of the Divine Persons, without in any way separating them.
270. What is the ultimate end of the whole divine economy? (CCC 260) The ultimate end of the whole divine economy is the entry of men into the perfect unity of the Blessed Trinity.
271. What is the central mystery of Faith that is revealed by God alone? (CCC 261) The central mystery of Faith that is revealed by God alone is the mystery of the Most Holy Trinity.
272. What does the Incarnation reveal about the Son and the Father? (CCC 262) The Incarnation reveals about the Son and the Father that:
1. God is the eternal Father
2. the Son is consubstantial with the Father.
273. What does the mission of the Holy Spirit reveal about the Trinitarian Persons? (CCC 263) The mission of the Holy Spirit reveals about the Trinitarian Persons that the Spirit is one and the same God with the Father and the Son.
274. How does the Holy Spirit proceed from the Father and the Son? (CCC 264) The Holy Spirit proceeds from the Father and the Son:
1. from the Father as the first principle
2. from the Son, because the Son receives this principle from eternity through His communion with the Father.
275. When are we called to share in the life of the Blessed Trinity? (CCC 265) In Baptism we are called to share in the life of the Blessed Trinity.
276. How can the Unity and Trinity in God be explained? (CCC 266) The Unity and Trinity in God can be explained thus: The Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit are three separate Persons but their Godhead is one.
277. How do the Persons of the Trinity participate in the one Trinitarian operation? (CCC 267) The Divine Persons participate in the one Trinitarian operation by each showing forth what is proper to Him in the Trinity.
278. What is the only attribute of God mentioned in the Creed? (CCC 268) The only attribute of God mentioned in the Creed is His omnipotence.
“I believe in God, the Father, the Almighty.”
279. What are the three qualities of God’s power? (CCC 268) The three qualities of God’s power are that it is:
1. universal, because God is almighty
2. loving, because God is Father
3. mysterious, because God’s power is made perfect through weakness.
280. Through which expressions does the Bible confess the universal power of God? (CCC 269) The Bible confesses the universal power of God by calling Him the mighty One of Jacob, the Lord of hosts, the strong and mighty One.
281. How do God’s Fatherhood and power shed light on one another? (CCC 270) God’s Fatherhood and power shed light on one another, because God reveals His power by the filial adoption that He gives us.
282. Where has God shown forth His almighty power most mysteriously? (CCC 272) God has shown forth His almighty power most mysteriously through the Cross and Resurrection.
283. Why does the mentioning of God’s power help us to believe the rest of the Creed? (CCC 272) The mentioning of God’s power helps us to believe the rest of the Creed, because nothing is more apt to confirm our Faith than the knowledge that nothing is impossible with God.
284. How does Job, the just man, confess God’s almighty power? (CCC 275) Job, the just man, confesses God’s almighty power by saying: “I know that You can do all things.”
285. Why does the Church often address the almighty God in her prayers? (CCC 276) The Church often addresses the almighty God in her prayers, because she believes that nothing is impossible with God.
286. How does God above all show forth His almighty power? (CCC 277) God shows forth His almighty power above all in His mercy and forgiveness.
287. How does God the Father show forth His power in the Persons of the Trinity? (CCC 278) God the Father shows forth His power in the persons of the Trinity by creating us in order that we might be redeemed through the Son and sanctified in the Spirit.
288. What is the first sentence in Holy Scripture? (CCC 279) The first sentence in Holy Scripture is: “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.”
289. What are the three points in the treatise on creation? (CCC 279) The three points in the treatise on creation are:
1. the Creator
2. the Creation
3. the Fall into sin.
290. Why are creation and the mystery of Christ interrelated? (CCC 280) Creation and the mystery of Christ are interrelated, because creation culminates in Christ while the mystery of Christ casts light on the creation by revealing its end and goal.
291. Why is catechesis on creation important? (CCC 282) Catechesis on creation is important, because it answers the two basic human questions about the origin and the end of man and all things.
292. What are the four major non-Christian accounts of the world’s origin and end? (CCC 285) The four major non-Christian accounts of the world’s origin and end are:
1. Pantheism which identifies the world with God
2. Dualism which says that the world is the product of two conflicting principles: Good and Evil
3. Deism which says that God created and abandoned the world to itself
4. Materialism which sees the world as the interplay of uncreated matter.
293. Can God the Creator be known by the light of human reason alone? (CCC 286) Yes, God the Creator can be known by the light of human reason alone.
Faith is needed in order to confirm and enlighten the understanding of this truth which is often obscured by error.
294. What is the locus classicus on the creation and its fall into sin? (CCC 289) The locus classicus on the creation and its fall into sin is Gen 1-3.
295. Why is creation the work of the Holy Trinity? (CCC 290-291) Creation is the work of the Holy Trinity, because God created everything through the eternal Word in the Holy Spirit.
296. How does St Irenaeus describe the creation as the work of the Holy Trinity? (CCC 292) St Irenaeus († 200) describes the creation as the work of the Holy Trinity by saying that the Father is the Creator while the Son and the Holy Spirit are His hands.
St Irenaeus of Lyons (France) is one of the early Church Fathers.
297. Who says that “the world was created for the glory of God”? (CCC 293) Dei Filius, a dogmatic Constitution of Vatican I (AD 1869-70), says that “the world was created for the glory of God.”
298. What is the glory of God according to St Irenaeus? (CCC 294) According to St Irenaeus († 200) the glory of God is man fully alive.
Man is fully alive when he sees God.
299. In what does the mystery of creation consist? (CCC 295-301) The mystery of creation consists in the fact that God:
1. created by His wisdom and love
2. created out of nothing
3. created an ordered and good world
4. transcends creation and is present to it
5. upholds and sustains creation.
300. What does it mean that God creates out of nothing? (CCC 296) That God creates out of nothing means that He needs no pre-existent thing or any help in order to create, nor is creation any sort of necessary flowing-out from the divine substance.
The creation out of nothing is called in Latin: creátio ex níhilo .
301. Where does the Holy Scripture say that God created out of nothing? (CCC 297) The Holy Scripture says in 2 Macc 7 that God created out of nothing.
The mother of seven sons encourages them for martyrdom: “Look at the heaven and the earth and see everything that is in them and recognize that God did not make them out of things that existed.”
302. How does St Augustine assert that God transcends His creation and is present to it? (CCC 300) St Augustine († 430) asserts that God transcends His creation and is present to it by saying that He is “higher than my highest and more inward than my innermost self.”
303. What are the two parts of God’s creative activity? (CCC 301) The two parts of God’s creative activity are:
1. bringing creation into being
2. upholding and sustaining it.
304. What is Divine Providence? (CCC 302) Divine Providence is the dispositions (actions) by which God guides His creatures to their ultimate end and perfection.
305. What does it mean that the universe was created “in a state of journeying”? (CCC 302) That the universe was created “in a state of journeying” means that it was made for an ultimate perfection yet to be attained.
“In a state of journeying” is in Latin: in statu viae .
306. What does it mean, that Divine Providence acts concretely and immediately? (CCC 303) That Divine Providence acts concretely and immediately means that:
1. God cares concretely for all, the least things and the great events of world and history
2. God Himself cares directly for them.
307. For what attitude toward Divine Providence does Christ ask? (CCC 305) Christ asks for a childlike abandonment to Divine Providence.
308. Why can intelligent and free creatures cooperate in God’s providence? (CCC 306) Intelligent and free creatures can cooperate in God’s providence, because God in His omnipotence grants them the dignity of acting on their own and of being causes and principles for each other.
309. How do God’s creatures co-operate with Divine Providence? (CCC 306) God’s creatures co-operate with Divine Providence by being causes and principles for each other.
310. Why does God’s Providence use His creatures’ co-operation? (CCC 306) God’s Providence uses His creatures’ cooperation, because of God’s greatness and goodness.
311. Why does man collaborate in a special way in God’s Providence? (CCC 307) Man collaborates in a special way in God’s providence, because he does so as an intelligent and free cause.
312. How does God the Creator work as the first cause of all creatures? (CCC 308) God the Creator works as the first cause of all creatures by operating in and through them, using them as secondary causes.
313. What reality seems to deny the existence of Divine Providence? (CCC 309) The reality that seems to deny the existence of Divine Providence is the reality of evil.
If God cares for all His creatures, why does evil exist? Only Christian Faith as a whole constitutes the answer to this question.
314. Why did God not create a world so perfect that no evil could exist in it? (CCC 310) God did not create a world so perfect that no evil could exist in it, because He wished to create the world in a state of journeying, where the more perfect exists alongside with the less perfect.
315. Is God in any way the cause of moral evil? (CCC 311) No, God is in no way, neither directly nor indirectly, the cause of moral evil.
316. Why does God permit moral evil? (CCC 311) God permits moral evil, because He:
1. respects the freedom of His creatures
2. knows how to derive good from evil.
317. From what evil did God bring the greatest of goods to men? (CCC 312) From the greatest of evils, the murder of His only Son, God brought the greatest of goods to men.
318. When will we know fully the ways of God’s Providence? (CCC 314) Only at the end, when our partial knowledge ceases and we see God face to face, we will know fully the ways of God’s Providence.
319. When did God give the first witness to His almighty love and wisdom? (CCC 315) God gave the first witness to His almighty love and wisdom in the creation of the world and of man.
320. Who is the one, indivisible principle of creation? (CCC 316) The one, indivisible principle of creation is God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit together.
321. How did God create the world? (CCC 317) God created the world:
1. alone
2. freely
3. directly
4. without any help.
322. What does “to create” mean in the proper sense? (CCC 318) In the proper sense “to create” means to give being to that which had in no way possessed it.
323. Why did God create the world? (CCC 319) God created the world to show forth and communicate His glory.
324. What are the two aspects of the act of creating? (CCC 320) The two aspects of the act of creating are:
1. to bring the universe into being
2. to keep it in existence.
325. What is Divine Providence? (CCC 321) Divine Providence is the dispositions (actions) by which God guides His creatures to their ultimate end and perfection.
326. What is man’s answer to Divine Providence? (CCC 322) Man’s answer to Divine Providence is filial trust.
327. Does Divine Providence work through God alone? (CCC 323) No, Divine Providence does not work through God alone but also through the cooperating actions of creatures.
328. Why does God permit physical and moral evil? (CCC 324) God permits physical and moral evil, because mysteriously He is able to bring good from evil.
329. What does the expression “heaven and earth” mean in the Bible? (CCC 326) The expression “heaven and earth” means in the Bible creation in its entirety.
330. What does “earth” mean in the Bible? (CCC 326) “Earth” means in the Bible the world of men.
331. What does “heaven” mean in the Bible? (CCC 326) “Heaven” means in the Bible:
1. the firmament
2. the place of God where we hope to be one day
3. the place where the angels and saints already are.
332. How does the profession of Faith of Lateran IV explain “heaven and earth”? (CCC 327) The profession of Faith of Lateran IV (AD 1215) explains “heaven and earth” as meaning both orders of creatures, the spiritual (angelic) and the corporeal (earthly) order.
333. Is the existence of angels a truth of the Faith? (CCC 328) Yes, the existence of angels is a truth of the Faith.
334. How does St Augustine define the angels? (CCC 329) St Augustine († 430) defines the angels according to their:
1. nature as spirits
2. office as God’s messengers.
335. What are the four characteristics of the angels? (CCC 330) The four characteristics of the angels are:
1. intellect and will
2. personhood
3. immortality
4. being pure spirits.
336. Why is Christ the centre of the angelic world? (CCC 331) Christ is the centre of the angelic world, because the angels belong to Him, being created through and for Him.
337. When do angels act for the first time in the Old Testament? (CCC 332) Angels act for the first time in the Old Testament when they close the earthly Paradise after original sin (Gen 3).
338. What is the most important mission fulfilled by an angel in the New Testament? (CCC 332) The most important mission fulfilled by an angel in the New Testament is the annunciation of Christ’s birth to Our Lady by the archangel Gabriel.
339. What is the main angelic hymn in the Liturgy of the Eucharist? (CCC 335) The main angelic hymn in the Liturgy of the Eucharist is:
1. in the Latin Liturgy: the Sanctus
2. in the Byzantine Liturgy: the Cherubic Hymn.
340. Who are the guardian angels? (CCC 336) The guardian angels are angels who stand beside each man as protectors and shepherds.
341. In how many days did God create the visible world? (CCC 337) God created the visible world in six days.
342. What truths does the Book of Genesis teach on the subject of creation? (CCC 337) On the subject of creation the Book of Genesis teaches the truths about the inner nature and value of creation and its ordering to the praise of God.
343. When did the world begin? (CCC 338) The world began when God drew it out of nothingness.
344. Why does each creature possess its own goodness and perfection? (CCC 339) Each creature possesses its own goodness and perfection, because for each creature it is said: “And God saw that it was good” (Gen 1).
345. Why are creatures interdependent? (CCC 340) Creatures are interdependent, because they complete each other.
346. What does the beauty of creation reflect? (CCC 341) The beauty of creation reflects the infinite beauty of the Creator.
347. How is the hierarchy of creatures expressed in Gen 1? (CCC 342) The hierarchy of creatures is expressed in Gen 1 by the order of the six days of creation, from the less perfect to the more perfect.
348. Who is the summit of creation? (CCC 343) Man is the summit of creation.
349. From what fact does the solidarity among all creatures arise? (CCC 344) The solidarity among all creatures arises from the fact that:
1. all creatures have the same Creator
2. all creatures are ordered to the Creator’s glory.
350. What is the Sabbath in the context of creation? (CCC 345) In the context of creation the Sabbath is:
1. the end of the work of the six days
2. the seventh day on which God rested.
351. What does it mean that creation was ordered toward the Sabbath? (CCC 347) That creation was ordered toward the Sabbath means, that it was fashioned for the worship and the adoration of God.
352. What is the “eighth day” of creation? (CCC 349) The “eighth day” of creation is the day of Christ’s Resurrection.
The work of creation culminates in the greater work of redemption.
353. What is the difference between the “seventh” and the “eighth” day of creation? (CCC 349) The difference between the “seventh” and the “eighth” day of creation is that the seventh day completes the first creation while the eighth day begins the new creation.
354. What are angels? (CCC 350) Angels are spiritual creatures who:
1. glorify God
2. work for the salvation of other creatures.
355. How do the angels participate in Christ’s work of Redemption? (CCC 351) The angels participate in Christ’s work of Redemption by serving Him in the accomplishment of His saving mission.
356. Why are the angels important for the Church and for mankind? (CCC 352) The angels are important:
1. for the Church, because they help her
2. for mankind, because they protect every human being.
357. What is the destiny of man and of all creation? (CCC 353) The destiny of man and of all creation is the glory of God.
358. How can creation be a foundation for morality? (CCC 354) Creation can be a foundation for morality through:
1. the laws inscribed in it
2. the relations deriving from the nature of things.
359. For what four reasons does man occupy an unique place in creation? (CCC 355) Man occupies an unique place in creation, because God:
1. made him in His image
2. united in man the spiritual and material worlds
3. created him male and female
4. established man in His friendship.
360. Where does the Bible say that man was created in the image of God? (CCC 355-356) The Bible says in Gen 1 that man was created in the image of God.
361. What does it mean that man as God’s image possesses the dignity of a person? (CCC 357) That man as God’s image possesses the dignity of a person means that he is:
1. someone not something
2. capable of self-knowledge
3. capable of self-possession
4. capable of communion with others.
362. Why did God create all things for man? (CCC 358) God created all things for man so that man could offer all creation back to God.
363. When did the Son of God stamp His image on Adam? (CCC 359) The Son of God stamped His image on Adam when He created him.
364. Why does the human race form a unity from the beginning? (CCC 360) The human race forms a unity from the beginning because from one ancestor God made all nations to inhabit the whole earth.
365. When does Gen 2 describe man as “body and soul but truly one”? (CCC 362) Gen 2 describes man as “body and soul but truly one” when declaring that:
1. God formed man of dust (symbol for the body)
2. breathed the breath of life into him (symbol for the soul)
3. so that man became a living being (= one).
366. In what double way does the Bible understand the term “soul”? (CCC 363) The Bible understands the term “soul” as:
1. human life or the entire human person
2. the spiritual principle in man.
367. Why does the human body share in the dignity of the image of God? (CCC 364) The human body shares in the dignity of the image of God, because it is animated by a spiritual soul.
368. How does the Council of Vienne define the soul? (CCC 365) The Council of Vienne (AD 1311-12) defines the soul as “the form of the body”.
“form” is as a technical term in the philosophy of Aristotle († 322 BC)- that what makes a thing to be what it is.
369. What does it mean that “the soul is the form of the body”? (CCC 365) That “the soul is the form of the body” means that the material body becomes a living, human body because of its spiritual soul.
370. Are spirit and matter in man two natures united? (CCC 365) No, spirit and matter in man are not two natures united, but their union forms one single nature.
371. Is the spiritual soul of a human being produced by his parents? (CCC 366) No, the spiritual soul of a human being is not produced by his parents, but is created immediately by God.
372. What happens to the soul at death? (CCC 366) At death the soul does not die but it separates from the body and will be reunited with it at the resurrection of the flesh.
Thus, death is the separation of the soul from the body.
373. What does the term “spirit” mean when applied to man? (CCC 367) When applied to man, the term “spirit” means that
1. from creation man is ordered to a supernatural end
2. man’s soul can gratuitously be raised to communion with God.
The distinction between “soul” and “spirit” does not introduce a duality into the soul.
374. What does the term “heart” signify in the context of the human soul? (CCC 368) In the context of the human soul, the term “heart” signifies the depths of one’s being where one decides for or against God.
375. Where does the Old Testament say that God created men “male and female”? (CCC 369) The Old Testament says that God created men “male and female” in Gen 1,27.
376. In what respect are man and woman perfectly equal? (CCC 369) Man and woman are perfectly equal as human persons with one and the same dignity.
377. In what respect are man and woman different? (CCC 369) Man and woman are different in their respective beings as male or female.
378. In what sense can God not be compared to a man or to a woman? (CCC 370) God can not be compared to a man or to a woman in the sense that He is pure spirit in which there is no place for the difference between the sexes.
379. In what sense can God be compared to a man or to a woman? (CCC 370) God can be compared to a man or to a woman in the sense that the respective “perfections” of man and woman reflect something of the infinite perfection of God.
380. What two reasons does God give for creating the woman? (CCC 371) God gives the following two reasons for creating the woman:
1. that man may not be alone
2. that he may have a fitting helper.
381. How do man and woman co-operate in a unique way in the Creator’s work? (CCC 372) Man and woman co-operate in a unique way in the Creator’s work when as spouses they transmit human life to their descendants.
382. What is man’s vocation in regard to the rest of creation? (CCC 373) Man’s vocation in regard to the rest of creation is to subdue the earth as a steward of God.
383. In what double harmony was man established in Paradise? (CCC 374) In Paradise man was established in a double harmony:
1. with God
2. with himself and the rest of creation.
384. What were the two chief aspects of man’s original state before the Fall? (CCC 375) The two chief aspects of man’s original state before the fall were:
1. original holiness
2. original justice.
385. What is original holiness? (CCC 375) Original holiness, which is caused by sanctifying grace, is friendship with God and a share in the divine life.
386. What is original justice? (CCC 376) Original justice is man’s harmony with God, with himself and with the creation around him.
387. What are the three aspects of the state of original justice? (CCC 376) The three aspects of the state of original justice are:
1. the inner harmony of the human person
2. the harmony between man and woman
3. the harmony between man and all creation.
388. How was man’s mastery over the world chiefly realized in Paradise? (CCC 377) In Paradise man’s mastery over the world was chiefly realized through his mastery of himself.
389. What was man doing in Paradise? (CCC 378) In Paradise man was tilling and keeping the garden.
390. Why is man’s work in Paradise different from his work after the Fall? (CCC 378) Man’s work in Paradise is different from his work after the Fall, because in Paradise man’s work is not yet a burden but a collaboration with God in perfecting the visible creation.
391. When were original holiness and original justice lost? (CCC 379) Original holiness and original justice were lost by the sin of our first parents.
392. For what two reasons did God set man over the whole world? (CCC 380) God set man over the whole world in order:
1. to serve Him
2. to rule over all creatures.
393. Why is God’s Son the first-born of a multitude of brethren? (CCC 381) God’s Son is the first-born of a multitude of brethren, because all men are made in His image.
394. When and how does each man’s spiritual and immortal soul come into being? (CCC 382) Each man’s spiritual and immortal soul comes into being when it is created by God at conception.
395. What is the first form of communion between persons? (CCC 383) The first form of communion between persons is the partnership between man and woman.
396. What was the source of man’s happiness in Paradise? (CCC 384) The source of man’s happiness in Paradise was his friendship with God.
397. What question is raised by the existence of moral evil in God’s creatures? (CCC 385) By the existence of moral evil in God’s creatures the question of the origin of evil is raised.
398. Who says that “where sin abounded, grace abounded all the more”? (CCC 388) St Paul says that “where sin abounded, grace abounded all the more” (Rom 5).
399. What is sin in respect to God? (CCC 386) In respect to God sin is man’s rejection of and opposition to Him.
400. In which light alone is the evil of sin unmasked? (CCC 386) The evil of sin is unmasked in the light of the relation of man to God.
401. Why is sin never an act of true freedom? (CCC 387) Sin is never an act of true freedom, because in sinning man does not use but rather abuses freedom.
In the moment of sinning the sinner is not using but losing his free will.
402. Who is the human source of sin? (CCC 388) Adam is the human source of sin.
403. Where is the account of original sin given? (CCC 390) The account of original sin is given in Gen 3.
404. What does Lateran IV teach about the Fall of the angels? (CCC 391) Lateran IV (AD 1215) teaches about the Fall of the angels that:
1. the Devil and the other demons were created naturally good by God, but
2. they became evil by their own doing.
405. Where does the Bible mention the sin of the fallen angels? (CCC 392) The Bible mentions the sin of the fallen angels in 2 Pet 2.
406. Why is the sin of the fallen angels unforgivable? (CCC 393) The sin of the fallen angels is unforgivable because of the irrevocable character of their choice.
Angels do not think discursively, they know once and for all. So when they sinned, they sinned once and for all.
407. What does Christ call the Devil in Jn 8? (CCC 394) In Jn 8 Christ calls the Devil “a murderer from the beginning”.
408. Why is the power of Satan strong but not infinite? (CCC 395) The power of Satan is strong, because he is a spirit, but not infinite, because he is a creature.
409. Why does Providence permit diabolical activity? (CCC 395) Why Providence permits diabolical activity is a great mystery.
But “to them that love God all things work together unto good” (Rom 8).
410. What are the two biblical loci classici on original sin? (CCC 397) The two biblical loci classici on original sin are Gen 3 and Rom 5.
411. What is the immediate consequence of original sin? (CCC 399-400) The immediate consequence of original sin is:
1. the loss of original holiness
2. the loss of original justice.
412. How does the loss of original holiness affect man? (CCC 399) The loss of original holiness affects man by making him become afraid of God.
413. How does the loss of original justice affect man? (CCC 400) The loss of original justice affects man by destroying the threefold harmony in which he found himself.
414. What threefold harmony is broken by the loss of original justice? (CCC 400) By the loss of original justice the threefold harmony between soul and body, man and woman and man and creation is broken.
415. What was the first sin after the original sin? (CCC 401) The first sin after the original sin was Cain’s murder of his brother Abel.
416. What consequence did Adam’s sin have for humanity according to St Paul? (CCC 402) According to St Paul, Adam’s sin had as consequence for humanity that by one man’s disobedience the many were made sinners (Rom 5).
417. How does Trent call original sin? (CCC 403) Trent calls the original sin “death of the soul”.
The Council of Trent (AD 1545-63) followed the Reformation. It rejected Protestantism and reinforced orthodoxy.
418. Why do tiny infants need to be baptised for the remission of sins? (CCC 403) Tiny infants need to be baptised for the remission of sins, because they are born with the sin of Adam.
419. Why are all men implicated in Adam’s sin? (CCC 404) All men are implicated in Adam’s sin, because it affected human nature which Adam then transmitted in a fallen state to his offspring.
420. Why is original sin called “sin” only in an analogical sense? (CCC 404) Original sin is called “sin” only in an analogical sense, because it is a sin contracted and not committed.
Original sin is a state, not an act.
421. Did original sin totally corrupt human nature? (CCC 405) No, original sin did not totally corrupt but only wounded human nature.
422. What are the wounds of human nature caused by original sin? (CCC 405) The wounds of human nature caused by original sin are:
1. the four wounds of the soul (ignorance, weakness, concupiscence, malice)
2. the two wounds of the body (suffering, death).
423. What is concupiscence? (CCC 405) Concupiscence is man’s inclination to evil.
424. What are the chief effects of baptism? (CCC 405) The chief effects of baptism are to:
1. erase the guilt of original sin
2. turn men back to God.
425. Which consequences of original sin persist in man after baptism? (CCC 405) The wounds of human nature persist in man after baptism as consequences of original sin.
426. For what purpose do the wounds of human nature persist after baptism? (CCC 405) The wounds of human nature persist after Baptism in order to summon man to spiritual battle.
427. When did the Church articulate more precisely the doctrine on original sin? (CCC 406) The Church articulated the doctrine on original sin more precisely at:
1. the second regional Council of Orange (AD 529): controversy between St Augustine and Pelagius
2. Trent (AD 1545-63): in opposition to the Protestant Reformation.
428. What was Pelagius’ heresy regarding original sin? (CCC 406) Pelagius’ heresy regarding original sin was that he underrated its effects, holding that man could lead a morally good life without God’s grace.
Original sin – according to him – is only a bad example given by Adam.
429. What was the first Protestant reformers’ heresy regarding original sin? (CCC 406) The first Protestant reformers’ heresy regarding original sin was that they overrated its effect, holding that original sin had utterly perverted man and destroyed his freedom.
430. In which areas of human activity must special account be taken of original sin? (CCC 407) Special account must be taken of original sin in the areas of education, politics, social action and morals in order to avoid serious errors.
431. What does St John’s expression “the sin of the world” mean? (CCC 408) St John’s expression “the sin of the world” (Jn 1:29) means that the consequences of sin leave the world in a sinful condition.
432. Why is man’s life a battle? (CCC 409) Man’s life is a battle, because the whole world is in the power of the evil one (1 Jn 5).
433. How does Gen 3 show that God did not abandon the sinner to the power of death? (CCC 410) Gen 3 shows that God did not abandon the sinner to the power of death by revealing how God calls Adam after his Fall.
Gen 3:9: “The Lord God called to Adam and said to him: ‘Where are you?’”
434. When does God for the first time announce man’s restoration from the Fall? (CCC 410) God announces man’s restoration from the Fall for the first time in the Protoevangelium (Gen 3,15).
The word “Protoevangelium” means “first gospel”.
435. What does God say in the Protoevangelium? (CCC 410) In the Protoevangelium God says to the serpent: “I will put enmity between you and the woman and between your offspring and hers; he will strike your head and you will strike his heel.”
436. How does the Protoevangelium in Gen 3,15 announce Christ? (CCC 411) The Protoevangelium in Gen 3,15 announces Christ by speaking about a battle between the serpent (the Devil) and the Woman (Our Lady) and the victory of a descendant of hers (Christ).
437. Why did God not prevent the sin of the first man? (CCC 412) God did not prevent the sin of the first man, because God permits evil in order to draw forth some greater good.
438. How did death enter the world according to Wis 2? (CCC 413) According to Wis 2 death entered the world through the devil’s envy.
439. What are the three characteristics of the Devil and the demons? (CCC 414) The three characteristics of the Devil and the demons are the following:
1. they are fallen angels
2. they are set in their definitive choice against God
3. they are trying to associate man in their revolt.
440. In what did the original sin consist? (CCC 415) The original sin consisted in man’s lifting himself up against God and seeking his goal apart from Him.
441. What did Adam lose by committing the original sin? (CCC 416) By committing the original sin Adam lost original holiness and original justice for himself and all his offspring.
442. What kind of human nature did Adam and Eve transmit to their descendants? (CCC 417) Adam and Eve transmitted to their descendants a human nature wounded by their first sin.
443. Which wounds does original sin inflict on human nature? (CCC 418) Original sin inflicts on human nature:
1. the four wounds of the soul (concupiscence, ignorance, weakness and malice)
2. the two wounds of the body (suffering, death).
444. How is original sin transmitted? (CCC 419) Original sin is transmitted by propagation not by imitation.
445. How does St Paul say that Christ’s victory over sin was bigger than what sin took from us? (CCC 420) St Paul says that Christ’s victory over sin was bigger than what sin took from us in the following way: “where sin increased, grace abounded all the more” (Rom 5).
446. How was the world set free from sin? (CCC 421) The world was set free from sin by Christ’s death and Resurrection.
447. Where and when was Jesus Christ born? (CCC 423) Jesus Christ was born in Bethlehem at the time of king Herod the Great and the Roman emperor Caesar Augustus.
Herod the Great is the king of Christ’s birth, Herod Antipas the king of Christ’s Passion, Herod Agrippa I and II the kings in Acts.
448. What is the primary content of the Christian Faith? (CCC 425) The primary content of the Christian Faith is Jesus Christ.
449. What are the three titles of Jesus found in the Creed? (CCC 429) The three titles of Jesus found in the Creed are :
1. Christ
2. Son of God
3. Lord.
450. Which articles of the Creed speak directly about Jesus Christ? (CCC 429) The articles of the Creed that speak directly about Jesus Christ are the articles 2-7.
451. What are the contents of the articles 2-7 in the Creed? (CCC 429) The contents of the articles 2-7 in the Creed are: article 2: Jesus’ principal titles ; article 3: Incarnation; articles 4-5: Paschal mystery; articles 6-7: glorification.
452. What does the name “Jesus” mean? (CCC 430) The name “Jesus” means in Hebrew: “God saves”.
453. From what does Jesus save us? (CCC 430) Jesus saves us from our sins.
454. With what words do all liturgical prayers conclude? (CCC 435) All liturgical prayers conclude with the words: “through our Lord Jesus Christ”.
455. What does the title “Christ” mean? (CCC 436) The title “Christ” means the “anointed one”.
The word “Christós” is the Greek translation of the Hebrew “Messiah”.
456. What threefold office does the anointment of Christ signify? (CCC 436) The anointment of Christ signifies the threefold office of priest, prophet and king.
457. How does St Irenaeus explain Jesus’ messianic consecration? (CCC 438) St Irenaeus († 200) explains Jesus’ messianic consecration by saying: “The One who anointed is the Father, the One who was anointed is the Son and He was anointed with the Spirit who is the anointing.”
St Irenaeus of Lyons (France) is one of the early Church Fathers.
458. When was Christ’s eternal messianic consecration revealed? (CCC 438) Christ’s eternal messianic consecration was revealed at the moment of His baptism.
459. What does “son of God” signify in the Old Testament? (CCC 441) “Son of God” signifies in the Old Testament an adoptive sonship established between God and His creature.
460. Which apostle confessed Christ as the Son of the living God? (CCC 442) Simon Peter confessed Christ as the Son of the living God.
In Mt 16:16 St Peter says to Christ: “You are Christ, the Son of the living God.”
461. How does Christ distinguish His Divine Sonship from the OT adoptive sonship? (CCC 443) Christ distinguishes His Divine Sonship from the OT adoptive sonship by:
1. referring to Himself as the Son
2. confirming to His accusers that He is the Son of God
3. emphasizing this distinction when he says to His disciples: “my Father and your Father.”
462. In what two moments does the Father’s voice reveal Christ’s Divine Sonship? (CCC 444) The Father’s voice reveals Christ’s Divine Sonship during Christ’s Baptism and His Transfiguration.
463. Where does the title “Lord” come from? (CCC 446) The title “Lord” is the English translation of the Greek “Kyrios” which translates the Hebrew divine name Yhwh.
464. What does the New Testament express by using the title “Lord” for Jesus Christ? (CCC 446) By using the title “Lord” for Jesus Christ, the New Testament expresses that Christ is God Himself.
465. How does Jesus Christ demonstrate His divine sovereignty to the world? (CCC 447) Jesus Christ demonstrates His divine sovereignty by His miracles.
466. What does the name Jesus mean? (CCC 452) The name Jesus means “God saves” (from sins).
467. What does the title “Christ” mean? (CCC 453) The title “Christ” means the “anointed one”.
468. What does Christ’s title “Son of God” signify? (CCC 454) Christ’s title “Son of God” signifies both His unique and eternal relationship to God His Father and that He Himself is God.
469. What does the title “Lord” indicate? (CCC 455) The title “Lord” indicates Christ’s divine sovereignty.
470. Why did the Word become flesh according to the Creed? (CCC 456) According to the Creed, the Word became flesh “for us men and for our salvation”.
471. For what four reasons did the Word become flesh for us men? (CCC 457-460) The four reasons for which the Word became flesh for us men are:
1. to save us
2. to show us God’s love
3. to become a model for us
4. to make us partakers of the divine nature.
A mnemonic is “Sa-lo-mo-n”: “sa” like “save”, “lo” like “love”, “mo” like model and “n” like nature.
472. What is St Athanasius’ famous reason for the Incarnation? (CCC 460) St Athanasius’ († 373) famous reason for the Incarnation is that “the Son of God became man so that we might become God.”
473. What is the “Incarnation”? (CCC 461) The “Incarnation” is the assuming of the human nature by the Son of God in order to accomplish our salvation.
474. In which famous hymn does St Paul speak about the Incarnation? (CCC 461) St Paul speaks about the Incarnation in the famous hymn in Phil 2.
“Christ Jesus... emptied Himself, taking the form of a slave, being born in human likeness (...).”
475. What does it mean that Christ is “true God and true man”? (CCC 464) That Christ is “true God and true man” means that He has assumed a full human nature without in any way ceasing to be God.
The Divine and the human natures are united hypostatically in Christ, that is, joined to each other in one Person.
476. Who are the first three Christological heretics? (CCC 465) The first three Christological heretics are:
1. the Gnostic Docetists who deny Christ’s true humanity
2. Paul of Samosata who admits only an adopted divine Sonship of Christ
3. Arius who believed Christ to be a creature.
477. What does the Creed of Nicaea I confess about the Son of God? (CCC 465) The Creed of Nicaea I (AD 325) confesses about the Son of God that He is “begotten, not made, of the same substance as the Father”.
478. What heresy does Nicaea I condemn? (CCC 465) Nicaea I (AD 325) condemns the heresy of Arius who said that the Son of God was:
1. a creature made by God
2. of another substance than the Father.
479. What heresy does the Council of Ephesus condemn? (CCC 466) The Council of Ephesus (AD 431) condemns the heresy of Nestorius who said that Christ was two persons: a human person joined to the Divine Person of God’s Son.
Notice the Council’s emphasis on the one person of Christ.
480. Who was the Father of the Church who opposed the Nestorians in Ephesus? (CCC 466) St Cyril of Alexandria († 444) was the Father of the Church who opposed the Nestorians in Ephesus.
The Nestorians were the followers of Nestorius, patriarch of Constantinople and heresiarch.
481. How does Ephesus explain the one person of Christ against the Nestorians? (CCC 466) Against the Nestorians, Ephesus explains the one person of Christ by saying that in the Incarnation the Son of God united to His Divine Person a human body animated by a human soul.
482. What did Ephesus proclaim Our Lady? (CCC 466) Ephesus proclaimed Our Lady Mother of God.
The Son of God was born of Our Lady according to the flesh.
483. What heresy does the Council of Chalcedon condemn? (CCC 467) The Council of Chalcedon (AD 451) condemns the heresy of the Monophysites who said that the human nature of Jesus Christ had ceased to exist when the Divine Person of God’s Son assumed it.
Notice the Council’s emphasis on the two natures of Christ.
484. How does Chalcedon explain the relation of Christ’s two natures? (CCC 467) Chalcedon explains the relation of Christ’s two natures as “without confusion, change, division or separation”.
485. What heresy does Constantinople II condemn? (CCC 468) Constantinople II (AD 553) condemns voices that seem to claim that there are two persons in Christ.
Notice the Council’s emphasis on the one person of Christ.
486. How does the Roman Liturgy sum up the Incarnation citing St Leo the Great? (CCC 469) The Roman Liturgy, citing St Leo the Great († around 460), sums up the Incarnation when it says about Christ: “What He was, He remained and what He was not, He assumed.”
487. How is the Son of God fully man? (CCC 470) The Son of God is fully man through:
1. the full reality of His human soul with its operations of intellect and will
2. the full reality of His human body.
488. How did Apollinarius of Laodicaea deny the completeness of Christ’s human soul? (CCC 471) Apollinarius of Laodicaea denied the completeness of Christ’s human soul by claiming that it lacked a human intellect and will, because Christ already possessed the divine intellect and will.
According to Apollinarius the “nous” (Greek for: human intellect and will) had been replaced by the divine Word.
489. Why was Christ’s human intellect necessary? (CCC 472) Christ’s human intellect was necessary, because it endowed Him with a true human knowledge that could not in itself be unlimited but that allowed Christ to fully share the human condition.
490. Why did Christ’s human knowledge reveal His true humanity? (CCC 472) Christ’s human knowledge revealed His true humanity, because like in every man it:
1. was exercised in space and time
2. allowed Christ to learn from experience.
491. What distinction must one make when studying Christ’s human knowledge? (CCC 473) When studying Christ’s human knowledge one has to distinguish between:
1. Christ’s human knowledge in itself
2. Christ’s human knowledge in its union with the Word.
492. Was Christ’s human knowledge in its union with the Word limited? (CCC 473) No, Christ’s human knowledge in its union with the Word was not limited and knew everything that pertains to God.
493. Why was there no conflict between Christ’s human and His divine knowledge? (CCC 473) There was no conflict between Christ’s human and His divine knowledge, because Christ in His human knowledge knew everything that pertains to God through the union of that knowledge with the divine intellect.
494. How could Christ in His human knowledge fully understand God’s eternal plan? (CCC 474) Christ in His human knowledge could fully understand God’s eternal plan through the union with His human knowledge with the divine intellect.
495. How must Christ’s admittance of not knowing the time of the End be understood? (CCC 474) Christ’s admittance of not knowing the time of the End (Mk 13) must be understood in the light of Acts 1: “It is not for you to know the times or periods that the Father has set by His own authority” and not as an admittance of an ignorance of His regarding God’s plans.
496. What did Constantinople III confess about Christ’s will? (CCC 475) Constantinople III (AD 681) confessed about Christ’s wills that in keeping with His two natures Christ possesses two wills, a divine will and a human will.
Notice the emphasis on the two natures.
497. Why do Christ’s two wills never enter in conflict with each other? (CCC 475) Christ’s two wills never enter in conflict with each other, because Christ’s human will does not resist or oppose but rather submits to His divine will.
498. Why is the possibility of portraying Christ theologically relevant? (CCC 476) The possibility of portraying Christ is theologically relevant, because it confirms the true humanity of Christ’s body that was finite and therefore can be portrayed.
499. What Council recognized the legitimacy of holy images? (CCC 476) Nicaea II (AD 787) recognized the legitimacy of holy images.
500. What does the one who honours a holy image venerate? (CCC 477) The one who honours a holy image venerates in it the person of the one depicted, not the image in itself.
501. What is the chief sign and symbol of our Redeemer’s love? (CCC 478) The chief sign and symbol of our Redeemer’s love is the pierced Sacred Heart of Jesus.
502. What is the Incarnation? (CCC 479) The Incarnation is the assuming of the human nature by the Son of God.
503. How are divinity and humanity united in Christ? (CCC 480) Divinity and humanity are united in Christ in the unity of His Divine Person.
504. How are Christ’s two natures united in His one person? (CCC 481) Christ’s two natures are united in His one person without confusion, change, division or separation.
505. Why does Christ have two intellects and two wills? (CCC 482) Christ has two intellects and two wills, because He is truly God and truly man.
506. What is the Incarnation? (CCC 483) The Incarnation is the mystery of the union of the divine and the human natures in the one person of the Son of God.
507. Where in the New Testament is the conception of Christ by the Holy Spirit revealed? (CCC 484) The conception of Christ by the Holy Spirit is revealed in Lk 1 during the Annunciation to Our Lady by the archangel Gabriel.
In Lk 1:35 the angel says to Our Lady: “The Holy Spirit will come upon you.”
508. When does the Son of God become Christ? (CCC 486) The Son of God becomes Christ at the beginning of His human existence.
509. What three Marian dogmas are connected to the phrase “born of the virgin Mary”? (CCC 487-507) The three dogmas connected to the phrase “born of the virgin Mary” are:
1. the Immaculate Conception
2. the Divine Motherhood
3. the Perpetual Virginity.
510. What is the basis for what the Catholic Faith holds about Our Lady? (CCC 487) The basis for what the Catholic Faith holds about Our Lady is the Church’s Faith in Jesus Christ.
511. Why did God will the Incarnation to occur by the assent of a woman? (CCC 488) God willed the Incarnation to occur by the assent of a woman, because He wanted a woman to contribute to the coming of life as a woman, Eve, had contributed to the coming of death.
512. How is the mission of Our Lady prepared in the Old Testament? (CCC 489) The mission of Our Lady is prepared in the Old Testament by that of many holy women.
Such women are: Eve, Sarah, Hannah, Deborah, Ruth, Judith, Esther (etc.).
513. Why was it necessary for Our Lady to be full of grace at the Annunciation? (CCC 490) It was necessary for Our Lady to be full of grace at the Annunciation lest she be unable to give free assent to her vocation.
514. What does the dogma of the Immaculate Conception confess? (CCC 491) The dogma of the Immaculate Conception confesses that Our Lady was from the first moment of her conception preserved immune from all stain of original sin.
515. Who proclaimed the dogma of the Immaculate Conception and when? (CCC 491) Pope Pius IX proclaimed the dogma of the Immaculate Conception in 1854.
516. How do the Eastern Fathers express the Immaculate Conception? (CCC 493) The Eastern Fathers express the Immaculate Conception by calling Our Lady “the All-Holy” (Greek: Panhágia).
517. How was the knot of Eve’s disobedience untied according to St Irenaeus? (CCC 494) According to St Irenaeus († 200), the knot of Eve’s disobedience was untied by Our Lady’s obedience.
St Irenaeus of Lyons (France) is one of the early Church Fathers.
518. Where does the New Testament attest the title “Mother of God”? (CCC 495) The New Testament attests the title “Mother of God” when Our Lady is acclaimed by Elizabeth as “the mother of my Lord” (Lk 1).
519. Why is Our Lady the Mother of God? (CCC 495) Our Lady is the Mother of God, because the One whom she conceived was the Father’s eternal Son.
520. How is the title “Mother of God” said in Greek? (CCC 495) The title “Mother of God” is said in Greek “Theotókos”.
521. What does the virginal conception teach us about Christ? (CCC 496) The virginal conception teaches us about Christ that He was conceived by the Holy Spirit without human seed and therefore is the Son of God and not the son of a man.
522. What divine promise is fulfilled in the virginal conception? (CCC 497) In the virginal conception is fulfilled the divine promise of Isaiah 7: “Behold, a virgin shall conceive and bear a son.”
523. Why can the interpretation of the virgin birth as a pagan myth not be sustained? (CCC 498) The interpretation of the virgin birth as a pagan myth cannot be sustained because the pagans of the first centuries ridiculed, opposed or did not comprehend it.
524. Why is Our Lady called “ever-virgin”? (CCC 499) Our Lady is called “ever-virgin”, because she remained a virgin before, during and after giving birth to the Son of God.
The Liturgy calls the ever-virgin “Aeì-parthénos” from Greek “aeí” = always and “parthénos” = virgin.
525. Do Christ’s “brothers” and “sisters” in Mt 13 disprove Mary’s perpetual virginity? (CCC 500) No, Christ’s “brothers” and “sisters” in Mt 13 do not disprove Mary’s perpetual virginity, because “brothers and sisters” in Mt 13 refers to close relations of Jesus Christ and not to other children of the Virgin Mary.
Mt 13:55s: “Are not his brothers James, Joseph, Simon and Judas? And are not all his sisters with us?”
526. To whom does Our Lady’s spiritual motherhood extend? (CCC 501) Our Lady’s spiritual motherhood extends to all the faithful.
527. Why was Christ born from a virgin? (CCC 502-507) Christ was born from a virgin in order to manifest:
1. God’s Fatherhood
2. Christ’s heavenly origin
3. the virginal (= ‘being all from God’) character of Baptism
4. the virginal (= ‘not doubting’) character of Faith
5. the Church as virgin and mother.
528. What does Our Lady’s fullness of grace mean? (CCC 508) Our Lady’s fullness of grace means that:
1. she was preserved from original sin
2. she remained pure from all personal sin throughout her life.
529. Why is Our Lady the Mother of God? (CCC 509) Our Lady is the Mother of God, because she is the mother of the eternal Son of God made man.
530. What does “always a virgin” mean? (CCC 510) “Always a virgin” means that Our Lady remained a virgin in conceiving her Son, in giving birth to Him, continuing to be a virgin after the birth.
531. How did Our Lady become the new Eve, mother of the living? (CCC 511) Our Lady became the new Eve, mother of the living, by her obedience.
532. Which mysteries of Christ’s life does the Creed contain? (CCC 512) The Creed contains:
1. the mysteries of the Incarnation: conception, birth
2. the Paschal mystery: Passion, crucifixion, death, burial, descent into hell, Resurrection, Ascension.
533. Why was Christ’s whole life a mystery? (CCC 515) Christ’s whole life was a mystery, because what was visible in it leads to the invisible mystery of His Divine Sonship.
534. How is redemption at work throughout Christ’s entire life? (CCC 517) Redemption is at work throughout Christ’s entire life:
1. in His Incarnation: Christ becomes poor and makes us rich
2. in His hidden life: Christ is obedient and atones for our disobedience
3. in His word: Christ purifies the hearers
4. in His death and Resurrection: Christ works justification.
535. How does St Irenaeus explain Christ’s life as a mystery of recapitulation? (CCC 518) St Irenaeus († 200) explains Christ’s life as a mystery of recapitulation by saying that the incarnate Christ:
1. recapitulated (“summed up”) in Himself the long history of mankind
2. procured for us a ‘short cut’ to salvation.
St Irenaeus of Lyons (France) is one of the early Church Fathers.
536. How does Christ enable us to live in Him all that He Himself lived? (CCC 521) Christ enables us to live in Him all that He Himself lived by incorporating us into His Body, the Church.
537. What are the main events of Jesus’ infancy and hidden life? (CCC 522-534) The main events of Jesus’ infancy and hidden life are:
1. four of the infancy: Circumcision, Epiphany, Presentation and Flight into Egypt
2. one of Christ’s hidden life: the Finding in the temple.
538. Who is the forerunner of Christ? (CCC 523) The forerunner of Christ is St John the Baptist.
539. Why is Christmas the mystery of the “marvellous exchange”? (CCC 526) Christmas is the mystery of the “marvellous exchange”, because at Christmas Christ humbled Himself to share in our humanity, that we might come to share in His divinity.
540. What are the four main events of Christ’s infancy? (CCC 527-530) The four main events of Christ’s infancy are:
1. the Circumcision
2. the Epiphany
3. the Presentation in the temple
4. the Flight into Egypt.
541. What does Jesus’ circumcision signify? (CCC 527) Jesus’ circumcision signifies His incorporation into Abraham’s descendants and His submission to the Law.
542. What three events does the feast of the Epiphany celebrate? (CCC 528) The feast of the Epiphany celebrates:
1. the coming of the magi
2. Christ’s Baptism in the Jordan
3. the wedding feast at Cana.
543. What do the magi signify? (CCC 528) The magi signify the first fruits of the pagans who welcome the Gospel.
544. What does Christ’s Presentation in the temple manifest? (CCC 529) Christ’s Presentation in the temple manifests Him as the first-born Son who belongs to God.
Ex 13,11-12: “When the Lord has brought you into the land (…), you shall set apart to the Lord all that first opens the womb. All the first-born of your livestock that are males shall be the Lord’s.”
545. What does the Flight into Egypt in Mt 2 manifest? (CCC 530) The Flight into Egypt in Mt 2 manifests that Christ came to His own home and His own people did not receive Him.
546. What is the only mystery that breaks the silence of Christ’s hidden years? (CCC 534) The only mystery that breaks the silence of Christ’s hidden years is His Finding in the temple.
547. What does the Finding in the Temple reveal? (CCC 534) The Finding in the Temple reveals Christ’s Divine Sonship and the mission flowing from it.
Christ to His parents: “Did you not know that I must be in what belongs to my Father” (Lk 2)?
548. Which are the main events of Jesus’ public life? (CCC 535-560) The main events of Jesus’ public life are eight:
1. the Baptism
2. the temptations
3. the proclamation of God’s Kingdom
4. the miracles of Christ
5. the entrustment of the keys of the Kingdom
6. the Transfiguration
7. the ascent to Jerusalem
8. the messianic entry into Jerusalem.
549. How does Christ’s public life begin? (CCC 535) Christ’s public life begins with His Baptism by John the Baptist in the Jordan.
550. What does His Baptism mean for Christ? (CCC 536) For Christ His Baptism means:
1. the inauguration of His mission as God’s suffering Servant
2. the allowance to be numbered among sinners
3. the anticipation of His bloody death
4. the submission to His Father’s will.
551. Where does Christ go after His Baptism and what happens there? (CCC 538) After His Baptism Christ goes into the desert where:
1. He fasts for forty days
2. He is tempted by the Devil three times.
552. Why does Christ’s faithfulness in the temptations show that He is the New Adam? (CCC 539) Christ’s faithfulness in the temptations shows that He is the New Adam, because Christ, the New Adam, remained faithful in three temptations, while the old Adam gave in after one.
553. What liturgical practice reflects Christ’s time in the desert? (CCC 539) The liturgical practice of the forty days of Lent reflects Christ’s time in the desert.
554. In which words does Christ begin to preach the kingdom of God? (CCC 541) Christ begins to preach the kingdom of God in the words: “The time is fulfilled and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent and believe in the Gospel” (Mk 1).
555. Who is invited into the Kingdom of God? (CCC 544-545) Everyone is invited into the Kingdom of God but especially the poor and the sinners.
556. What are the signs of the Kingdom wrought by Christ? (CCC 547) The signs of the Kingdom wrought by Christ are His miracles.
557. Why did Christ appoint His apostles? (CCC 551) Christ appointed His apostles:
1. to have them participate in His mission
2. to give them a share in His authority.
558. Why does St Peter hold the first place among the Twelve? (CCC 552-553) St Peter holds the first place among the Twelve, because:
1. he confessed Jesus as the Messiah
2. he received from Christ the “power of the keys”, the authority to govern the Church.
In Mt 16 Christ says to St Peter: “I will give you the keys of the Kingdom of heaven.”
559. What does the Transfiguration manifest? (CCC 554-555) The Transfiguration manifests for a moment Christ’s divine glory and His imminent passion.
The Transfiguration shows Jesus’ face and clothes dazzling white and Moses and Elijah speaking to Him (Mt 17).
560. Why did Christ go up to Jerusalem? (CCC 557) Christ went up to Jerusalem in order to die willingly a violent death.
561. What does Christ do when Jerusalem comes into view on His way to it? (CCC 558) When Jerusalem comes into view on His way to it, Christ weeps over the city (Lk 19).
562. How is Christ acclaimed at His messianic entrance into Jerusalem? (CCC 559) At His messianic entrance into Jerusalem Christ is acclaimed with the words: “Hosanna to the son of David: Blessed is He that cometh in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest.”
563. When is Jesus Christ’s entry into Jerusalem commemorated liturgically? (CCC 560) Jesus Christ’s entry into Jerusalem is commemorated liturgically on Palm Sunday, the Sunday before Easter Sunday.
564. Who said that the whole of Christ’s life was a continual teaching? (CCC 561) Pope John Paul II. said that the whole of Christ’s life was a continual teaching.
565. To which point must the Christian conform himself to Christ? (CCC 562) The Christian must conform himself to Christ until Christ is formed in him (Gal 4).
566. How does the manger of Bethlehem unite the wise and the simple? (CCC 563) The manger of Bethlehem unites the wise and the simple by having them kneel in adoration before the newborn Christ.
567. What double example does Christ give us during His hidden life in Nazareth? (CCC 564) During His hidden life in Nazareth Christ gives us the example of (1) obedience and (2) humble work.
568. What does Christ’s Baptism manifest? (CCC 565) Christ’s Baptism manifests that He is the Servant wholly consecrated to the redemptive work.
569. How does Christ overcome the temptation in the desert? (CCC 566) Christ overcomes the temptation in the desert by His total adherence to the Father’s plan of salvation.
570. How does the Kingdom of heaven begin on earth? (CCC 567) The Kingdom of heaven begins on earth through Christ’s presence, works and words.
571. What does Christ’s Transfiguration manifest? (CCC 568) Christ’s Transfiguration manifests:
1. Christ’s divine glory
2. His imminent passion.
572. Why did Christ go up to Jerusalem? (CCC 569) Christ went up to Jerusalem in order to die willingly a violent death.
573. What does Christ’s entry into Jerusalem manifest? (CCC 570) Christ’s entry into Jerusalem manifests the coming of the kingdom of the Messiah-King.
574. How was God’s saving plan accomplished “once for all” (Hebr 9:26)? (CCC 571) God’s saving plan was accomplished “once for all” (Hebr 9:26) by Christ’s redemptive death.
575. Which four groups agreed to kill Jesus Christ? (CCC 574) The four groups that agreed to kill Jesus Christ were:
1. the Pharisees
2. the partisans of Herod
3. the priests
4. the scribes.
576. Against which three essential institutions in Israel was Christ accused of acting? (CCC 576) Christ was accused of acting against:
1. the Law
2. the Temple
3. the Faith in one God.
577. What is the locus classicus for ‘Jesus and the Law’ in Matthew? (CCC 577) The locus classicus for ‘Jesus and the Law’ in Matthew is the Sermon on the Mount (Mt 5-7).
578. Did Christ come to abolish the Law or the prophets? (CCC 577) No, Christ did not come to abolish the Law or the prophets, but to fulfil them.
579. Has anyone ever kept the whole of the Old Law? (CCC 578) Christ alone kept the whole of the Old Law.
580. How did the Israelites who transgressed the Law cleanse themselves? (CCC 578) The Israelites who transgressed the Law cleansed themselves on the Day of Atonement:
1. by offering sacrifices
2. by asking forgiveness for their transgressions.
581. What does the “principle of integral observance of the Law” say? (CCC 579) The “principle of integral observance of the Law” says that whoever keeps the whole law but fails in one point has become guilty of all of it.
582. To what point does Christ fulfil the Law? (CCC 580) Christ fulfils the Law to the point of taking upon Himself the curse of the Law incurred by those who do not abide by the things written in the Law.
583. How did Christ teach the people according to the end of Mt 7? (CCC 581) According to the end of Mt 7 Christ taught the people as one who had authority and not as the Jewish scribes.
584. How does Christ perfect the dietary law? (CCC 582) Christ perfects the dietary law by declaring unclean thoughts, words and actions that come out of man, not food that enters him.
The “dietary law” is a part of the Mosaic law (contained in the Pentateuch) based on the distinction between clean and unclean food.
585. When did Jesus enter the Temple for the first time? (CCC 583) Jesus entered the Temple for the first time when St Joseph and Our Lady presented Him there forty days after His birth.
586. Why did Christ drive the merchants out of the Temple? (CCC 584) Christ drove the merchants out of the Temple because they had turned its outer court into a place of commerce.
587. What did Christ announce about the temple on the threshold of His Passion? (CCC 585) On the threshold of His Passion Christ announced the coming destruction of the Temple.
The Temple was destroyed by the Romans in AD 70.
588. Why did Christ identify Himself with the Temple? (CCC 586) Christ identified Himself with the Temple, because He is God’s definitive dwelling-place among men.
Jn 2: “Destroy this Temple and in three days I will raise it up (…). But He spoke of the Temple of His body.”
589. In what way did Christ most challenge Israel’s Faith in the one God and Saviour? (CCC 589) Christ most challenged Israel’s Faith in the one God and Saviour by forgiving sins.
590. What does Christ show about Himself by forgiving sins? (CCC 589) By forgiving sins Christ shows Himself to be God, since God alone can forgive sins.
591. With what words does Christ assert His unity with the Father? (CCC 590) Christ asserts His unity with the Father in the words “I and the Father are one” (Jn 10).
592. How did Christ perfectly fulfil the Old Law? (CCC 592) Christ perfectly fulfilled the Old Law by:
1. revealing its ultimate meaning
2. redeeming the transgressions against it.
593. How does the Temple prefigure Christ’s own mystery? (CCC 593) The Temple prefigures Christ’s own mystery by foreshadowing Christ’s body as the definitive Temple.
594. How did Christ during His public life manifest Himself as God the Saviour? (CCC 594) During His public life Christ manifested Himself as God the Saviour by forgiving sins.
595. What conclusion did the high priest Caiaphas reach at the trial of Jesus? (CCC 596) At the trial of Jesus, the high priest Caiaphas reached the conclusion that it was expedient that one man should die for the people and that the whole nation should not perish.
596. What religious institution declared that Jesus deserved death? (CCC 596) The religious institution that declared that Jesus deserved death was the Sanhedrin.
The Sanhedrin was the highest religious council of the Jews in Jerusalem.
597. Which three figures participated in Christ’s condemnation? (CCC 597) The three figures that participated in Christ’s condemnation were:
1. Judas
2. the Sanhedrin
3. Pilate.
598. Why is the Christian sinner more guilty of Christ’s death than the Jews? (CCC 598) The Christian sinner is more guilty of Christ’s death than the Jews, because by relapsing into sin he crucifies the Son of God anew in his heart where Christ has taken his dwelling place.
599. Who says in Acts 2 that Christ’s redemptive death was in God’s plan of salvation? (CCC 599) St Peter says in Acts 2 that Christ’s redemptive death was in God’s plan of salvation.
Thus Christ’s violent death was not merely some unhappy chance.
600. Where does the Old Testament foretell Christ’s redemptive death? (CCC 601) The Old Testament foretells Christ’s redemptive death in Isaiah’s prophecy of the suffering Servant.
601. What does it mean that God “made Christ to be sin” (2 Cor 5)? (CCC 602-603) That God “made Christ to be sin” (2 Cor 5) means that Christ took upon Himself the consequences of our sins.
602. What is the ultimate reason for which God gave up His own Son for our sins? (CCC 604) The ultimate reason for which God gave up His own Son for our sins is His love.
603. Where in the NT is it said that Christ offered Himself to His Father for our sins? (CCC 606) It is said in 1 Jn 2 that Christ offered Himself to His Father for our sins.
604. Who reveals Christ as the “Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world”? (CCC 608) John the Baptist reveals Christ as the “Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world” (Jn 1).
605. Why is Christ called “the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world”? (CCC 608) Christ is called “the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world”, because He is:
1. the suffering Servant who like a lamb is slaughtered for the sin of the world
2. the Paschal Lamb, the symbol of the Redemption at the first Passover in Egypt (Ex 12).
606. What prompted Christ to freely accept His Passion and death? (CCC 609) The love for His Father and for men prompted Christ to freely accept His Passion and death.
607. When did Christ anticipate the free offering of his life? (CCC 610) Christ anticipated the free offering of His life at the Last Supper when He instituted the Holy Eucharist.
608. When did Christ accept the cup of the New Covenant from His Father’s hands? (CCC 612) Christ accepted the cup of the New Covenant from His Father’s hands in His agony in the garden at Gethsemani (Mt 26).
609. What are the two effects of Christ’s salvific death? (CCC 613) The two effects of Christ’s salvific death are that it:
1. redeems man from sin
2. restores man to communion with God.
610. Why is the sacrifice of Christ unique? (CCC 614) The sacrifice of Christ is unique because it completes and surpasses all other sacrifices.
611. Why does the sacrifice of Christ surpass all other sacrifices? (CCC 614) The sacrifice of Christ surpasses all other sacrifices, because it is:
1. a gift from God the Father Himself
2. an offering of the Son of God who surpasses and embraces all men.
612. Why is the sacrifice of Christ a gift from God the Father Himself? (CCC 614) The sacrifice of Christ is a gift of God the Father Himself, because the Father handed His Son over to sinners in order to reconcile men with Himself.
613. How did the Son of God offer His sacrifice to the Father? (CCC 614) The Son of God offered His sacrifice to the Father by presenting His life to Him in freedom and love through the Holy Spirit in reparation for our disobedience.
614. By what substitution did Christ atone for our faults? (CCC 615) Christ atoned for our faults by the substitution of His perfect obedience for our disobedience.
615. When is Christ’s sacrifice consummated? (CCC 616) Christ’s sacrifice is consummated at His death on the cross.
616. What value does the love of Christ confer on His Passion? (CCC 616) The love of Christ confers on His Passion the value of:
1. redemption and reparation of man
2. atonement (= satisfaction) to God.
617. How did Christ merit justification for us? (CCC 617) Christ merited justification for us through His most holy Passion.
618. How can the faithful participate in Christ’s sacrifice? (CCC 618) The faithful can participate in Christ’s sacrifice by taking up his cross and following Him.
619. For what reason did Christ die? (CCC 619) Christ died in order to pay for our sins.
620. What was God’s ultimate motive for saving us? (CCC 620) God’s ultimate motive for saving us was His love.
621. When did Christ both symbolize His sacrifice and make it really present? (CCC 621) At the Last Supper Christ both symbolized His sacrifice and made it really present.
622. How did Christ win our Redemption? (CCC 622) Christ won our Redemption by giving His life as a ransom for mankind.
623. How did Christ fulfil the atoning mission of the Old Testament suffering Servant? (CCC 623) Christ fulfilled the atoning mission of the Old Testament suffering Servant, mentioned in Is 53, through his atoning suffering on the Cross.
624. What is “death”? (CCC 624) Death is the separation of the soul from the body.
625. What day of the liturgical year commemorates the dead Christ? (CCC 624) Holy Saturday commemorates the dead Christ.
626. Which two mysteries does the state of the dead Christ contain? (CCC 624) The state of the dead Christ contains:
1. the mystery of the tomb
2. the mystery of the descent into hell.
627. Who says that Jesus Christ is the “meeting point for death and life”? (CCC 625) St Gregory of Nyssa (before AD 400) says that Jesus Christ is the “meeting point of death and life”.
628. What happened to the relationships of Christ’s person, soul and body at His death? (CCC 626) At Christ’s death, His Divine Person continued to possess His human soul and body, which were nonetheless separated from each other by death.
629. Why was Christ’s body not a mortal corpse like others? (CCC 627) Christ’s body was not a mortal corpse like others, because:
1. it retained its union with the Divine Person of the Son
2. the divine power preserved it from corruption.
630. Why does the Christian participate in Christ’s death through Baptism? (CCC 628) Through Baptism the Christian participates in Christ’s death, because this sacrament efficaciously signifies his descent into the tomb in order to die to sin with Christ and to live a new life.
631. To the benefit of whom did Jesus Christ taste death? (CCC 629) Jesus Christ tasted death to the benefit of every man.
632. Why did the Incarnation of God’s eternal Son continue during His period in the tomb? (CCC 630) The Incarnation of God’s eternal Son continued during His period in the tomb, because the Son of God continued to assume both His human soul and His body, although they were separated from each other by death.
633. Why does the Creed confess Christ’s descent and Resurrection in the same article? (CCC 631) The Creed confesses Christ’s descent and Resurrection in the same article, because Christ rose from the depths of death.
634. What is the meaning of Christ’s descent into hell? (CCC 632) The meaning of Christ’s descent into hell is that Jesus Christ:
1. died, like all men
2. joined all men in the realm of the dead.
635. What did Christ do while in the realm of the dead? (CCC 632) While in the realm of the dead Christ proclaimed the Gospel to the souls there.
636. Why is the place to which Christ descended called “hell”? (CCC 633) The place to which Christ descended is called “hell”, because those who are there are deprived of the vision of God.
Hell is called in Hebrew “Sheol” and in Greek “Hades”.
637. Who was in hell before Christ descended there? (CCC 633) Before Christ descended into hell all the dead were there, whether evil or righteous.
638. Was the lot of the righteous and of the evil in hell identical? (CCC 633) No, in hell the lot of both the righteous and of the evil was not identical:
1. the righteous were like the poor Lazarus in “Abraham’s bosom” (Lk 16) waiting to be freed
2. the evil were and still are in the hell of damnation from whence they will not be delivered.
639. Which souls did Christ deliver when He descended into hell? (CCC 633) When He descended into hell Christ delivered the holy souls of the just who in the bosom of Abraham awaited their Saviour.
640. Why did Christ descend into hell? (CCC 633) Christ descended into hell to free the souls of the just who had died before Him.
Jesus did not descend into hell to deliver the damned, nor to destroy the hell of damnation.
641. Where does the Bible state that the Gospel was preached even to the dead? (CCC 634) In 1 Pet 4 the Bible states that the Gospel was preached even to the dead.
642. Why does the descent into hell bring the Gospel message to complete fulfilment? (CCC 634) The descent into hell brings the Gospel message to complete fulfilment, because it spreads Christ’s redemptive work to all men of all times and all places.
643. What did Christ’s death and Resurrection do to the Devil? (CCC 635) Christ’s death and Resurrection destroyed the Devil’s power of death.
644. What does the Apostles’ Creed confess by the expression “He descended into hell”? (CCC 636) By the expression “He descended into hell” the Apostles’ Creed confesses, that:
1. Christ really died
2. He conquered the Devil through His death.
645. In which of His natures did Christ go down to hell? (CCC 637) Christ went down to hell in His human soul united to His Divine Person.
646. What does the Troparion of Easter in the Byzantine Liturgy say? (CCC 638) The Troparion of Easter in the Byzantine Liturgy says: “Christ is risen from the dead! Dying, He conquered death; To those who were in the grave, He has given life.”
647. Why is Christ’s Resurrection both historical and transcendent? (CCC 639-647) Christ’s Resurrection is both historical and transcendent:
1. historical, because it really happened and was witnessed by the New Testament
2. transcendent, because it cannot be comprehended with human means.
648. What is the first event of the Easter story? (CCC 640) The first event of the Easter story is the discovery of the empty tomb.
649. Who discovered the empty tomb after the Resurrection? (CCC 640) The holy women discovered the empty tomb after the Resurrection.
650. To whom are the first three appearances of the resurrected Christ? (CCC 641) The first three appearances of the resurrected Christ are to:
1. Mary Magdalene and the holy women
2. St Peter
3. the Twelve.
651. How is the new state of Christ’s resurrected body called? (CCC 641) The new state of Christ’s resurrected body is called the state of glory.
652. Why is it improbable that the apostles’ credulity gave rise to the story of the Resurrection? (CCC 644) It is improbable that the apostles’ credulity gave rise to the story of the Resurrection, because the apostles responded to the news of the Resurrection not with credulity but with disbelief.
653. What are the four conditions of Christ’s risen body? (CCC 645) The four conditions of Christ’s risen body are:
1. impassibility: no suffering and no death
2. subtlety: spiritualisation of the body’s matter
3. agility: no limitation by space or time
4. clarity: beauty.
654. Why is Christ’s Resurrection different from Lazarus’ return to life? (CCC 646) Christ’s Resurrection is different from Lazarus’ raising from the dead, because the former is a passing to a new life beyond time and death while the latter was a return to an earthly life that ended once more in death.
655. Why does Christ’s Resurrection surpass history? (CCC 647) Christ’s Resurrection surpasses history, because the passing over to a life beyond time and death transcends all created reality and remains a mystery of Faith.
656. Why is the Resurrection a work of the Holy Trinity? (CCC 648) The Resurrection is a work of the Holy Trinity, because in it the three Divine Persons act together as One, while manifesting Their own proper characteristics.
657. How does the Father manifest His proper characteristics in the Resurrection? (CCC 648) The Father manifests His proper characteristics in the Resurrection:
1. by raising up His Son
2. by introducing His Son’s humanity, including His body, into the Trinity.
658. How does the Spirit manifest His proper characteristics in the Resurrection? (CCC 648) The Spirit manifests His proper characteristics in the Resurrection:
1. by giving life to Jesus’ dead human body
2. by transforming it to the state of glory.
659. How does the Son manifest His proper characteristics in the Resurrection? (CCC 649) The Son manifests His proper characteristics in the Resurrection by effecting it by virtue of His divine power.
660. What is the meaning and significance of the Resurrection? (CCC 651-655) The meaning and significance of the Resurrection is:
1. to confirm Christ’s work and teachings
2. to fulfil the promises of the Old Testament and of Christ
3. to show the divinity of Christ
4. to open the way to a new life in the Holy Trinity
5. to be the principle of our future resurrection.
661. What does Faith in the Resurrection have as its object? (CCC 656) Faith in the Resurrection has as its object an event which is historically attested to by Christ’s disciples.
662. What do the empty tomb and the linen cloths lying therein signify? (CCC 657) The empty tomb and the linen cloths lying therein signify that Christ’s body escaped the bonds of death.
663. In what three ways is Christ the principle of our resurrection? (CCC 658) Christ is the principle of our resurrection:
1. then: as the first-born from dead
2. now: as the cause for the justification of our souls
3. one day: as the One who will impart new life to our bodies.
664. What does the Ascension add to the Resurrection? (CCC 659) The Ascension adds to the Resurrection the entry of Christ’s humanity into divine glory.
665. In what words does Christ tell Mary Magdalene of His Ascension? (CCC 660) Christ tells Mary Magdalene of His Ascension in the words: “I have not yet ascended to the Father; but go to my brethren and say to them, I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God” (Jn 20).
666. Why is Christ’s Ascension closely linked to His descent from heaven? (CCC 661) Christ’s Ascension is closely linked to His descent from heaven, because only the One who descended from heaven, proving thus to be the Son of God, had the power to return to heaven, while this is impossible to man if he is left to his own natural powers.
667. Which event of the Passion symbolizes Christ’s later Ascension into heaven? (CCC 662) Christ’s being lifted up on the cross symbolizes His later Ascension into heaven.
668. Where is Christ placed in heaven? (CCC 663) In heaven Christ is placed at the right hand of the Father.
669. What does Christ’s sitting at the right hand of the Father signify? (CCC 664) Christ’s sitting at the right hand of the Father signifies the inauguration of the messianic kingdom.
“Sitting” means Christ’s possession of glory and “at the right hand of the Father” means that He holds the place of honour among all creatures.
670. What is Christ’s Ascension? (CCC 665) Christ’s Ascension is the entrance of Jesus’ humanity into heaven.
671. How is the Ascension a sign of hope for the faithful? (CCC 666) The Ascension is a sign of hope for the faithful, because the entrance of Christ, the Head, into heaven prepares the way for the members of His mystical Body.
672. What does Christ do in heaven for us? (CCC 667) In heaven Christ intercedes for us as the mediator who assures us of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit.
673. What five stages will the Church undergo before Christ will come again? (CCC 668-675) The five stages that the Church will undergo before Christ will come again are:
1. the proclamation of the Gospel to the whole world
2. the conversion of the Jews
3. the great apostasy
4. the appearance of the Antichrist
5. the final unleashing of evil.
674. Where is the promised renewal of the world already begun? (CCC 670) The promised renewal of the world is already begun in the sanctity of the Church.
675. By what event will the present reign of Christ in His Church be fulfilled? (CCC 671) Christ’s present reign in His Church will be fulfilled by His Second Coming.
676. What characterizes the age of the Church? (CCC 672) What characterizes the age of the Church is:
1. the presence of the Holy Spirit
2. the witness of the Church
3. the trial of evil
4. the waiting and watching for the Messiah.
677. When will the full inclusion of the Jews in Christ’s salvation occur? (CCC 674) The full inclusion of the Jews in Christ’s salvation will occur once the full number of the Gentiles has been reached.
678. What final trial will forego Christ’s Second Coming? (CCC 675) A final trial that will shake the Faith of many believers will forego Christ’s Second Coming.
679. Who is the author of the last and greatest deception before the Second Coming? (CCC 675) The author of the last and greatest deception before the Second Coming is the Antichrist.
680. In what does the last and greatest religious deception of the Antichrist consist? (CCC 675) The last and greatest religious deception of the Antichrist consists in a pseudo-messianism by which man glorifies himself in place of God and of His Messiah.
681. What is millenarianism? (CCC 676) Millenarianism (Chiliasm) is the belief that before the Last Judgment Christ will appear in the world in order to reign.
682. How will God triumph over the last revolt of evil? (CCC 677) God will triumph over the last revolt of evil in the Last Judgment.
The Last Judgment ist also called the “General Judgment”.
683. What will Christ bring to light when He comes to judge the living and the dead? (CCC 678) When He comes to judge the living and the dead, Christ will bring to light:
1. the conduct of each one
2. the secrets of hearts.
684. To whom has the Father given all judgment? (CCC 679) The Father has given all judgment to the Son (Jn 5).
685. How does Christ reign in this world? (CCC 680) Christ reigns in this world through the Church.
686. What final triumph will Christ achieve on Judgment Day? (CCC 681) On Judgment Day Christ will achieve the final triumph of good over evil.
687. What will Christ bring to light when He comes to judge the living and the dead? (CCC 682) When He comes to judge the living and the dead Christ will bring to light
1. the conduct of each one
2. the secrets of hearts.
688. Who is the first to awaken Faith in us? (CCC 683) The first to awaken Faith in us is the Holy Spirit.
To be in touch with Christ, we must first have been touched by the Holy Spirit.
689. Why was the Holy Spirit the last person of the Trinity to be revealed? (CCC 684) The Holy Spirit is the last person of the Trinity to be revealed, because it would not have been prudent to reveal His divinity when the divinity of the Father and of the Son was not manifest.
The progressive Revelation of the Trinity is called by St Gregory of Nazianzus: the pedagogy of divine condescension.
690. In what is the outpouring of the Holy Spirit after Christ seen? (CCC 686) The outpouring of the Holy Spirit after Christ is seen in:
1. the Church
2. the forgiveness of sins
3. the resurrection of the flesh
4. the life everlasting.
This outpouring of the Holy Spirit is explained in the articles 9-12 of the Creed.
691. Who alone is able to comprehend the thoughts of God? (CCC 687) The Spirit of God alone is able to comprehend the thoughts of God (1 Cor 2).
692. Through what only can we know the Holy Spirit? (CCC 687) We can know the Holy Spirit only through the movement by which He reveals Christ to us.
693. Why do those who believe in Christ know the Holy Spirit? (CCC 687) Those who believe in Christ know the Holy Spirit, because in order to know Christ they must be moved by the Spirit.
694. In what three places is the Holy Spirit mainly visible within the Church? (CCC 688) The Holy Spirit is mainly visible within the Church:
1. in the sacramental Liturgy
2. in the Bible
3. in the Tradition.
695. How is the joint mission of the Son and Spirit illustrated by human speech? (CCC 689) The joint mission of the Son and Spirit is illustrated by human speech if we say that the Father sends the Word (= Son) through His Breath (= the Holy Spirit).
696. How does St Gregory of Nyssa interpret Christ’s anointing by the Holy Spirit? (CCC 690) St Gregory of Nyssa (before AD 400) interprets Christ’s anointing by the Holy Spirit as expressing:
1. the absence of distance between the Son and the Spirit
2. the necessity of touching the Spirit when approaching the Son.
697. What is the most common name, title and symbol of the Spirit? (CCC 691-701) The most common name for the Spirit is “Holy Spirit”, the most common title is “the Paraclete” and the most common symbol is the dove.
“Paraclete” is Greek and means “counsellor”.
698. What is the Hebrew word for “Spirit”? (CCC 691) The Hebrew word for “Spirit” is “ruah”.
699. What two titles does Christ Himself use for the Holy Spirit? (CCC 692) Christ Himself uses for the Holy Spirit the two titles “Paraclete” (= counsellor) and “Spirit of truth”.
700. How does St Peter call the Holy Spirit? (CCC 693) St Peter calls the Holy Spirit the “Spirit of glory” (1 Pet 4).
701. What are the eight classical symbols of the Holy Spirit? (CCC 694-701) The eight classical symbols of the Holy Spirit are water, anointing, fire, cloud and light, seal, hand, finger, dove.
The dove is the most common symbol of the Holy Spirit.
702. Why is water a symbol for the Holy Spirit? (CCC 694) Water is a symbol for the Holy Spirit, because it cleanses and therefore signifies the Holy Spirit’s action in Baptism.
703. Why does anointing with oil signify the Holy Spirit? (CCC 695) Anointing with oil signifies the Holy Spirit, because it refers back to the primary anointing accomplished by the Holy Spirit, that of Jesus who therefore is the one anointed.
The one anointed is called in Greek “Christós” and in Hebrew “Messiah”.
704. Why is fire a symbol for the Holy Spirit? (CCC 696) Fire is a symbol for the Holy Spirit, because it signifies the transforming energy of the Spirit who at Pentecost descended in the form of tongues “as of fire” on the disciples.
705. Why is the cloud a symbol for the Holy Spirit? (CCC 697) The cloud is a symbol for the Holy Spirit, because the cloud, now obscure, now luminous, signifies the Spirit who reveals what remains a mystery.
706. Why is the seal a symbol for the Holy Spirit? (CCC 698) The seal is a symbol for the Holy Spirit, because it signifies the sacramental character imprinted on the soul by the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Holy Orders.
The sacramental character is an indelible mark by which the Christian shares in Christ’s priesthood and is made a member of the Church according to different states and functions.
707. Why is the hand a symbol for the Holy Spirit? (CCC 699) The hand is a symbol for the Holy Spirit, because the apostles’ imposition of hands signifies the outpouring of the Holy Spirit.
708. Why is the finger a symbol for the Holy Spirit? (CCC 700) The finger is a symbol for the Holy Spirit, because the Holy Spirit is known as the “finger of God”, the instrument through which God acts.
709. Why is the dove a symbol for the Holy Spirit? (CCC 701) The dove is a symbol for the Holy Spirit, because at Christ’s baptism the Spirit comes upon Him in the form of a dove.
The dove is the most common symbol of the Holy Spirit.
710. In what way do God’s Spirit and Word work in “the time of the promises”? (CCC 702) In “the time of the promises”, God’s Spirit and Word work in a hidden way preparing for the Incarnation of Christ.
The time of the promise is the time of the Old Testament.
711. Who are the prophets through whom according to the Creed the Spirit has spoken? (CCC 702) The prophets through whom according to the Creed “the Spirit has spoken”, are those whom the Holy Spirit inspired in the proclamation and in the writing of the Scriptures.
712. What is the task of the Holy Spirit in creation? (CCC 703) The task of the Holy Spirit in creation is:
1. to rule it
2. to sanctify it
3. to animate it
4. to preserve it in the Father through the Son.
713. Why is the Holy Spirit the Spirit of the promise? (CCC 706) The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of the promise, because He is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it.
714. What is the function of the theophanies in the Old Testament? (CCC 707) The function of the theophanies in the Old Testament is to allow the Word of God to be seen and heard.
Theophanies are manifestations of God.
715. What was the function of the Old Law in divine pedagogy? (CCC 708) The function of the Old Law in divine pedagogy was:
1. to lead God’s people toward Christ
2. to increase a growing awareness of sin
3. to enkindle consequently a desire for the Holy Spirit.
716. Why did the Holy Spirit work through the Exile? (CCC 710) The Holy Spirit worked through the Exile in order:
1. to purify the People of God
2. to prefigure the Church through the Remnant which returned from the Exile.
The Exile was the historical period around 555 BC when the Israelites were deported to Babylon.
717. How does Is 11 present the Spirit of the awaited Messiah? (CCC 712) Is 11 presents the Spirit of the awaited Messiah as the Spirit of wisdom, understanding, counsel, might, knowledge and fear of the Lord.
This is the passage from whose Latin and Greek version, theology has deduced the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit.
718. What three key figures show the Spirit of Christ in the fullness of time? (CCC 717-730) The three key figures that show the Spirit of Christ in the fullness of time are John the Baptist, Our Lady and Jesus Christ Himself.
719. Why is Christ’s Spirit present in St John the Baptist? (CCC 717) Christ’s Spirit is present in St John the Baptist, because he was filled with the Holy Spirit even from his mother’s womb (Lk 1).
The “fullness of time” is the time of the New Testament that begins with the coming of Christ.
720. In which figure does the Holy Spirit conclude His speaking through the prophets? (CCC 719) The Holy Spirit concludes His speaking through the prophets in the figure of St John the Baptist.
721. Who is the masterpiece of the Son and the Spirit in the New Testament? (CCC 721) The masterpiece of the Son and the Spirit in the New Testament is Our Lady.
722. How did the Holy Spirit prepare Our Lady for her task? (CCC 722) The Holy Spirit prepared Our Lady for her task by means of her conception without sin.
723. How did the Holy Spirit fulfil the divine plan in Our Lady? (CCC 723) The Holy Spirit fulfilled the divine plan in Our Lady when, through His power and her Faith, she conceived and gave birth to the Son of God.
724. Why does the title “Christ” express Jesus’ relationship to the Holy Spirit? (CCC 727) The title “Christ” expresses Jesus’ relationship to the Holy Spirit, because it means “anointed” and thus declares that the “Christ” is the one anointed by the Holy Spirit.
725. How does Jesus Christ speak about the Holy Spirit in His preaching? (CCC 728) Jesus Christ speaks about the Holy Spirit in His preaching by introducing Him gradually.
726. When does Jesus Christ promise the coming of the Holy Spirit? (CCC 729) Jesus Christ promises the coming of the Holy Spirit at the Last Supper.
727. How did the risen Christ personally give the Holy Spirit to His disciples? (CCC 730) The risen Christ personally gave the Holy Spirit to His disciples by breathing on them (Jn 20).
728. What is the most important event involving the Spirit and the Church after Christ? (CCC 731) The most important event involving the Spirit and the Church after Christ is the outpouring of the Holy Spirit over the Church at Pentecost.
729. When does the Holy Spirit begin to lead the Church into the “last days”? (CCC 732) The Holy Spirit begins to lead the Church into the “last days” from the day of Pentecost.
730. What is God’s first gift in the “last days” that contains all other gifts? (CCC 733) God’s first gift in the “last days” that contains all other gifts is the Holy Spirit.
731. What is the first effect of the gift of the Holy Spirit to the sinner? (CCC 734) The first effect of the gift of the Holy Spirit in the sinner is the forgiveness of sins.
732. What is the second effect of the gift of the Holy Spirit after the forgiveness of sins? (CCC 735) The second effect of the gift of the Holy Spirit after the forgiveness of sins is the giving of the life of the Holy Trinity.
733. Where are the twelve fruits of the Holy Spirit mentioned? (CCC 736) The twelve fruits of the Holy Spirit are mentioned in Gal 5 according to the Vulgate, the Latin Version of the New Testament.
The twelve fruits of the Holy Spirit can be found in CCC 1832.
734. Where in our time is the mission of Christ and the Spirit already fulfilled? (CCC 737) In our time, the mission of Christ and the Spirit is already fulfilled in the Church.
735. By what four steps does the Holy Spirit bring the faithful into the Church? (CCC 737) The Holy Spirit brings the faithful into the Church by:
1. preparing him in order to draw them to Christ
2. manifesting Christ to him
3. making the sacraments present to him
4. bringing him into communion with God.
These four steps are also found in Holy Mass: preparation rites, readings, consecration, Holy Communion.
736. Why is the Church’s mission not additional to that of Christ and the Spirit? (CCC 738) The Church’s mission is not additional to that of Christ and the Spirit, because the Church is, as it were, its sacrament.
A sacrament is a sign that contains and effects what it signifies.
737. Why does Christ pour out the Holy Spirit in the Church? (CCC 739) Christ pours out the Holy Spirit in the Church:
1. to nourish, heal and organize
2. to give life
3. to send to bear witness
4. to associate to His self-offering to the Father.
738. How does Christ communicate the Holy Spirit to the members of the Church? (CCC 739) Christ communicates the Holy Spirit to the members of the Church through the sacraments.
739. What is the Holy Spirit doing in our hearts according to Gal 4? (CCC 742) According to Gal 4, the Holy Spirit is crying “Abba! Father!” in our hearts.
740. Why does God never send His Son without the Holy Spirit? (CCC 743) God never sends His Son without the Holy Spirit, because Their mission is conjoined and inseparable.
741. In whom are all the preparations for Christ’s coming completed? (CCC 744) All preparations for Christ’s coming are completed in Our Lady.
742. How was the Son of God consecrated as Christ (Messiah)? (CCC 745) The Son of God was consecrated as Christ (Messiah) by the anointing of the Holy Spirit at His Incarnation.
743. When does Christ pour out the Holy Spirit on the apostles and the Church? (CCC 746) Christ pours out the Holy Spirit on the apostles and the Church on the day of Pentecost.
744. How does the Holy Spirit whom Christ pours out on His members affect the Church? (CCC 747) The Holy Spirit whom Christ pours out on His members affects the Church by:
1. building
2. animating
3. sanctifying her.
745. What is the name of Vatican II’s Dogmatic Constitution on the Church? (CCC 748) The name of Vatican II’s Dogmatic Constitution on the Church is Lumen Gentium .
746. On which articles of Faith does the article about the Church depend? (CCC 748-749) The article about the Church depends on:
1. the articles concerning Jesus Christ
2. the article about the Holy Spirit.
747. Why does the article about the Church depend on the articles about Jesus Christ? (CCC 748) The article about the Church depends on the articles about Jesus Christ, because as the moon receives its light from the sun, so the Church receives its light from Christ.
748. Why does the article about the Church depend on the article about the Holy Spirit? (CCC 748) The article about the Church depends on the article about the Holy Spirit, because the Church is the place where the Spirit flourishes.
749. Who said that the Church is the place “where the Spirit flourishes”? (CCC 749) It was St Hippolytus who said that the Church is the place where the Spirit flourishes.
St Hippolytus (around AD 200) belongs to the group of the seven Early Church Fathers.
750. Why do we believe the Church and not in the Church? (CCC 750) We believe the Church and not in the Church in order to make a difference between ‘believing in God’ and ‘believing what He proposes to our Faith’.
751. Whence are the names and images of the Church taken? (CCC 751-757) The names and images of the Church are taken from the Old and New Testament.
752. What Latin term does the word “Church” translate? (CCC 751) The word “Church” translates the Latin term ecclésia .
The Latin term ecclésia comes from the Greek verb “ek-ka-lein” which means: to “call out of”.
753. What does the term “Church” mean? (CCC 751) The term “Church” means a “convocation” or an “assembly”.
754. What kind of assembly does the term “Church” designate? (CCC 751) The term “Church” designates the assemblies of men, usually for a religious purpose.
755. What does the Greek word ekklesía frequently designate in the Septuagint? (CCC 751) The Greek word ekklesía (= Church) frequently designates in the Greek Old Testament the assembly of the Israelites before God, especially on Mount Sinai.
The Septuagint is the Greek translation of the Old Testament.
756. Why was the first community of faithful called “Church”? (CCC 751) The first community of faithful was called “Church”, because it was the heir to the assembly of the People of God on Mount Sinai.
757. Where does the English word “Church” etymologically come from? (CCC 751) The English word “Church” comes etymologically from the Greek term “Kyriaké” which means: “what belongs to the Lord”.
758. What three things does the word “Church” signify in Christian usage? (CCC 752) The word “Church” signifies in Christian usage:
1. the liturgical assembly
2. the local community (parish)
3. the universal community of believers.
759. What is the main figure and image for the Church in the Old Testament? (CCC 753) The main figure and image for the Church in the Old Testament is the People of God.
760. What is the main figure and image for the Church in the New Testament? (CCC 753) The main figure and image for the Church in the New Testament is the Body of Christ.
761. How is the OT term “People of God” unfolded in the NT term “Body of Christ”? (CCC 753) The Old Testament term “People of God” is unfolded in the New Testament term “Body of Christ” through Christ’s becoming the Head of the People of God that is henceforth His Body.
762. What are the four main symbols for the Church in the New Testament? (CCC 754-757) The four main symbols for the Church in the New Testament are:
1. the sheepfold
2. the cultivated field
3. the building of God
4. Jerusalem.
Remember them as sheep on a field walking toward a building that is part of Jerusalem.
763. What is the very source of the Church’s origin, foundation and mission? (CCC 759) The very source of the Church’s origin, foundation and mission is the Father’s heart.
764. For what sake was the world created according to the “Shepherd of Hermas”? (CCC 760) According to the “Shepherd of Hermas” the world was created for the sake of the Church.
The “Shepherd of Hermas” (Pastor Hermae) is one of the four apostolic writings (around 150 AD).
765. At which moment did the gathering together of the People of God begin? (CCC 761) The gathering together of the People of God began at the moment when sin destroyed the communion of men with God.
766. When does God announce the gathering of the Church to Abraham? (CCC 762) God announces the gathering of the Church to Abraham when he calls him and promises that he will become the father of a great people.
767. By whom was the Church instituted? (CCC 763) The Church was instituted by Jesus Christ.
768. How did Jesus Christ inaugurate His Church? (CCC 763) Jesus Christ inaugurated His Church by preaching the Kingdom of God.
769. With what lasting structure did Christ endow His Church? (CCC 765) Christ endowed His Church with the lasting structure formed by the apostles under Peter.
770. Whence did the ‘wondrous sacrament of the whole Church’ come forth according to the Liturgy? (CCC 766) According to the Liturgy the ‘wondrous sacrament of the whole Church’ came forth from the side of Christ as He slept the sleep of death upon the cross.
771. How did the Holy Spirit reveal the Church on the day of Pentecost? (CCC 767) The Holy Spirit revealed the Church on the day of Pentecost by openly displaying her to the crowds.
772. What means does the Church receive from the Spirit in order to fulfil her mission? (CCC 768) In order to fulfil her mission the Church receives from the Spirit:
1. hierarchic gifts
2. charismatic gifts.
773. When will the Church receive her perfection? (CCC 768) The Church will receive her perfection in the glory of heaven.
774. Why can one speak about the Church as a mystery? (CCC 770) One can speak about the Church as a mystery, because the Church exists in history and, at the same time, transcends it.
775. What makes the Church to be both visible and spiritual? (CCC 771) What makes the Church to be both visible and spiritual is that she is:
1. a visible hierarchical society on the earth
2. Christ’s mystical Body and a spiritual community endowed with heavenly riches.
776. What does St Paul call the nuptial union of Christ and the Church? (CCC 772) St Paul calls the nuptial union of Christ and the Church “a great mystery” (Eph 5).
777. To what is the structure of the Church totally ordered? (CCC 773) The structure of the Church is totally ordered to the holiness of her members.
778. Why can the Church be called a “sacrament”? (CCC 774) The Church can be called a “sacrament”, because - like a sacrament - she is the sign and instrument that both contains and communicates the invisible grace it signifies.
The Church is called a “sacrament” in an analogical sense.
779. Why is the Church the ‘sacrament’ of the unity of the human race? (CCC 775) The Church is the ‘sacrament’ of the unity of the human race, because men’s communion with one another is rooted in the union with God.
780. Whom does the word “Church” designate? (CCC 777) The word “Church” designates those “convoked” by Jesus Christ in order to become His Body.
781. In which sense is the Church the goal of God’s plan? (CCC 778) The Church is the goal of God’s plan in the sense of her being:
1. prefigured in creation
2. prepared for in the Old Testament
3. founded by Jesus Christ
4. fulfilled by Christ’s death and Resurrection
5. manifested as the mystery of salvation by the Holy Spirit
6. destined to be perfected in the glory of heaven.
782. Why is the Church both visible and spiritual? (CCC 779) The Church is both visible and spiritual, because she is both human and divine.
783. Why can the Church be called a “sacrament”? (CCC 780) The Church can be called a “sacrament” in an analogical sense, because - like a sacrament - she is the sign and instrument of the communion of God with men.
784. What are the three most important titles of the Church? (CCC 781) The three most important titles of the Church are:
1. People of God
2. Body of Christ
3. Temple of the Holy Spirit.
785. For what purpose did God chose the Israelites as His Own People? (CCC 781) God chose the Israelites as His Own People for the purpose of preparing and prefiguring the Church.
786. What are the seven characteristics of the People of God? (CCC 782) The seven characteristics of the People of God are (1) its origin: God, (2) its birth: Baptism, (3) its Head: Christ, (4) its being: Spirit, (5) its action: love, (6) its mission: earth, (7) its goal: God.
787. Why is the People of God a priestly, prophetic and royal people? (CCC 783) The People of God is a priestly, prophetic and royal people, because it shares in the three offices of Christ, the Priest, Prophet and King.
788. Why does the People of God share in Christ’s priestly office? (CCC 784) The People of God shares in Christ’s priestly office, because in baptism its faithful are consecrated to be a holy priesthood.
The baptismal priesthood is essentially different from the priesthood received by the sacrament of Holy Orders.
789. How does the People of God above all share in Christ’s prophetic office? (CCC 785) The People of God shares in Christ’s prophetic office above all when it unfailingly assents to the message of Faith by the sense of Faith.
The “sense of Faith” (Latin: sénsus fídei) is a supernatural appreciation of Faith on the part of the faithful as a whole.
790. How does the People of God share in Christ’s royal office? (CCC 786) The People of God shares in Christ’s royal office by serving with Christ, because, in the Church, to reign is to serve.
791. What are the three characteristics of the Church as the Body of Christ? (CCC 789) The three characteristics of the Church as the Body of Christ are:
1. the unity of her members
2. Christ as her Head
3. the Church as bride of Christ.
792. Which two sacraments most unite us with Christ? (CCC 790) The two sacraments that most unite us with Christ are Baptism and the Eucharist.
793. Where does St Paul say that Christ is the Head of the Body, the Church? (CCC 792) St Paul says in Col 1 that Christ is the Head of the Body, the Church.
794. By whom is the “whole Christ” made up? (CCC 795) The “whole Christ” is made up by Christ and His Church together.
“Whole Christ” is in Latin: Christus totus .
795. Why can St Augustine say that “we have become Christ Himself”? (CCC 795) St Augustine († 430) can say that “we have become Christ Himself”, because Christ the Head and we the members are together the whole man.
796. What did St Joan of Arc say about Christ and the Church? (CCC 795) St Joan of Arc († 1431) said about Christ and the Church that “they are just one thing and we shouldn’t complicate the matter.”
797. How does the image of the bride explain the Church’s unity with Christ? (CCC 796) The image of the bride explains the Church’s unity with Christ by showing the distinction of the two within a loving relationship.
798. Who in the New Testament announces Christ as the Bridegroom? (CCC 796) St John the Baptist announces Christ in the New Testament as the Bridegroom (Jn 3).
799. In which two ways does the “whole Christ” speak according to St Augustine? (CCC 796) According to St Augustine († 430), the “whole Christ” speaks:
in His role as the Head (ex persóna cápitis) and
in His role as the Body (ex persóna córporis).
Ex persóna cápitis: e.g. the Sermon on the Mount (Mt 5-7); ex persóna córporis: any doctrinal teaching of the Church.
800. Where does St Paul express that the Church is the temple of the Holy Spirit? (CCC 797) St Paul expresses in 2 Cor 6 that the Church is the temple of the Holy Spirit.
801. How does St Augustine describe the relationship between Holy Spirit and Church? (CCC 797) St Augustine describes the relationship between Holy Spirit and Church by saying that “what the soul is to the human body, the Holy Spirit is to the Body of Christ, which is the Church.”
802. By what five means does the Holy Spirit work to build up the Church? (CCC 798) The Holy Spirit works to build up the Church by means of:
1. God’s Word
2. the sacraments
3. the hierarchy
4. the virtues
5. the charisms.
803. What is a charism? (CCC 798-799) A charism is a special grace by which the Holy Spirit enables the faithful to undertake various tasks and offices for the benefit of others, especially the Church, but also for men and the world.
E.g. gifts of healing or the gift of tongues.
804. What does Titus 2 call the Church? (CCC 802) Titus 2 calls the Church “a people of God’s own”.
805. What does 1 Pet 2 call the Church? (CCC 803) 1 Pet 2 calls the Church “a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s own people”.
806. How does one enter the Church? (CCC 804) One enters the Church through Faith and Baptism.
807. How does Christ establish the Church as His own Body? (CCC 805) Christ establishes the Church as His own Body through the Holy Spirit and the sacraments.
808. What are the two sources of diversity in the Church? (CCC 806) The two sources of diversity in the Church are:
1. the members
2. their functions.
809. How is Christ’s union with the Church expressed in the image of the human body? (CCC 807) Christ’s union with the Church is expressed in the image of the human body as the Church being the Body of which Christ is the Head.
810. Why can one say that the Church is the Bride of Christ? (CCC 808) One can say that the Church is the Bride of Christ, because:
1. Christ loved her
2. He gave His life for her
3. He made her the mother of God’s children.
811. Why can one say that the Church is the Temple of the Holy Spirit? (CCC 809) One can say that the Church is the Temple of the Holy Spirit, because the Spirit is, as it were, the soul of the Mystical Body.
812. How is the Church brought into unity according to St Cyprian? (CCC 810) According to St Cyprian (around 250) the Church is “brought into unity from the unity of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.”
813. What are the four marks of the Church? (CCC 811) The four marks (= essential features) of the Church are: one, holy, catholic and apostolic.
814. Who makes the Church one, holy, catholic and apostolic? (CCC 811) Christ through the Holy Spirit makes the Church one, holy, catholic and apostolic.
The Church does not possess these four marks of herself.
815. How do the four marks of the Church clearly speak to human reason? (CCC 812) The four marks of the Church clearly speak to human reason through their historical manifestations in the Church’s:
1. catholic unity and invincible stability (“one”)
2. eminent holiness (“holy”)
3. inexhaustible fruitfulness in everything good (“catholic”)
4. marvellous propagation (“apostolic”).
816. The Church is one: for what three reasons? (CCC 813) The Church is one because of:
1. her one source, the Trinity
2. her one founder, Christ
3. her one soul, the Holy Spirit.
817. What is the constant threat against the unity of the Church? (CCC 814) The constant threat against the unity of the Church is sin and its consequences.
818. What are the three visible bonds of communion in the Church? (CCC 815) The three visible bonds of communion in the Church are:
1. Faith
2. Liturgy
3. hierarchy.
819. Which is the sole Church of Christ? (CCC 816) The sole Church of Christ is the Church that Christ entrusted to the pastoral care and rule of St Peter and the other apostles.
820. Who says that the Church of Christ “subsists” in the Catholic Church? (CCC 816) Lumen Gentium 8 says that the Church of Christ “subsists” in the Catholic Church.
Lumen Gentium is a Vatican II document, the Apostolic Constitution on the Church.
821. What does it mean that Christ’s Church “subsists” in the Catholic Church? (CCC 816) That Christ’s Church “subsists” in the Catholic Church means that (1) the Catholic Church is the Church of Christ yet (2) there are elements of sanctification and truth among those Christians who do not live in full communion with her.
822. By whom is the Church governed? (CCC 816) The Church is governed by (1) the pope and (2) the bishops in communion with him.
823. Through whom alone can the fullness of the means of salvation be obtained? (CCC 816) Through Christ’s Catholic Church alone the fullness of the means of salvation can be obtained.
824. What are the three ruptures that wound the unity of the Church? (CCC 817) The three ruptures that wound the unity of the Church are heresy, apostasy and schism.
The terms heresy, apostasy and schism are explained in CCC 2089.
825. What elements of sanctification are found also outside the visible confines of the Church? (CCC 819) The elements of sanctification found also outside the visible confines of the Church are: (1) the Bible, (2) the life of grace, (3) Faith, (4) hope, (5) charity, (6) other interior gifts of the Spirit, (7) visible elements.
826. Where does Christ pray for the unity which the Church can never lose? (CCC 820) Christ prays for the unity which the Church can never lose in Jn 17: “That they may all be one.”
827. The Church is holy: why is this so? (CCC 823) The Church is holy, because Christ has made her holy through His Passion.
828. What is the purpose of all the activities of the Church? (CCC 824) The purpose of all the activities of the Church is (1) the glorification of God and (2) the sanctification of men.
829. What kind of heart does the Church need according to St Thérèse of Lisieux? (CCC 826) According to St Thérèse of Lisieux († 1897) the Church needs a heart burning with love.
830. Why is the holy Church always in need of purification? (CCC 827) The holy Church is always in need of purification, because she gathers sinners already caught up in Christ’s salvation but still on the way to holiness.
831. What is a canonisation? (CCC 828) A canonisation is a solemn pontifical proclamation of a new saint’s (1) heroic virtue and (2) fidelity to God’s grace.
832. What is the aim of a canonisation? (CCC 828) The aim of a canonisation is to propose a new saint as intercessor and model.
833. The Church is catholic: what does the term “catholic” mean? (CCC 830) The term “catholic” means “universal”:
1. according to completeness (Latin: intégritas)
2. according to totality (Latin: totálitas).
834. How is the Church catholic in both senses of the word? (CCC 830-831) The Church is catholic in both senses of the word according to:
1. completeness: because the Church contains all fullness of the means of salvation
2. totality: because the Church is sent by Christ to all men.
835. What is a “particular Church”? (CCC 833) A “particular Church” is usually a diocese or eparchy.
The term “diocese” is used in the West; the term “eparchy” is used in the East.
836. What is a diocese or eparchy? (CCC 833) A diocese or eparchy is a community of faithful who:
1. profess the same Faith
2. celebrate the same sacraments
3. are put under the same bishop.
837. When is a particular Church fully catholic? (CCC 834) A particular Church is fully catholic when in communion with the Church of Rome.
838. Who is called to the catholic unity of the Church? (CCC 836) All men are called to the catholic unity of the Church.
839. Who is fully incorporated into the Church? (CCC 837) Those are fully incorporated into the Church who are joined by the three bonds of the same:
1. profession of Faith
2. sacraments
3. ecclesiastical government.
840. Will a member of the Church who fails to persevere in charity, be saved? (CCC 837) No, a member of the Church who fails to persevere in charity will not be saved.
He remains in the bosom of the Church, but ‘in body’ not ‘in heart’.
841. Which of the Christian communities are the closest in doctrine to the Church? (CCC 838) The Christian communities closest in doctrine to the Church are the Orthodox communions.
842. What text of Vatican II speaks about the Church’s relation to Jews and Moslems? (CCC 839) The text of Vatican II that speaks about the Church’s relation to Jews and Moslems is the declaration Nostra Aetate (NA).
843. What is the locus classicus for the relationship between the Church and the Jews? (CCC 839) The locus classicus for the relationship between the Church and the Jews is Rom 9-11.
844. What unites the Church with the Moslems according to LG 16 and NA 2? (CCC 841) According to Lumen Gentium 16 and Nostra Aetate 2 what unites the Church with the Moslems is their faith in the one, merciful God.
Nostra Aetate and Lumen Gentium are both Vatican II documents.
845. In what sense does the Church form one community with all non-Christians? (CCC 842) The Church forms one community with all non-Christians in the sense that:
1. all stem from the one stock which God created to populate the earth
2. all share a common destiny, namely God.
846. What does the Church recognize in other religions? (CCC 843) The Church recognizes in other religions that search, among shadows and images, for the God who is unknown yet near since he gives life and breath and all things and wants all men to be saved.
847. How does LG 16 value all goodness and truth found in other religions? (CCC 843) Lumen Gentium 16 values all goodness and truth found in other religions as a “preparation for the Gospel”.
Lumen Gentium is a Vatican II document, the Apostolic Constitution on the Church.
848. Why is Noah’s ark a figure for the Church? (CCC 845) Noah’s ark is a figure for the Church, because it alone saved from the flood.
849. What Father said that “outside the Church there is no salvation”? (CCC 846) St Cyprian of Carthage said that “outside the Church there is no salvation.”
St Cyprian of Carthage (around AD 250) is the last of the seven Early Church Fathers.
850. Why is there no salvation outside the Church? (CCC 846) There is no salvation outside the Church, because all salvation comes from Christ through the Church which is His Body.
851. What is the lot of those who through no fault of their own do not know Christ? (CCC 847) The lot of those who through no fault of their own do not know Christ is that, in ways known to God, they may achieve salvation if they seek God with a sincere heart following their conscience.
852. What is the locus classicus for the Church’s missionary mandate? (CCC 849) The locus classicus for the Church’s missionary mandate is Mt 28.
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations.”
853. Why is the Church on earth missionary by her very nature? (CCC 850) The Church on earth is missionary by her very nature, because she has as her origin the mission of the Son and the Holy Spirit.
854. What motivates the Church’s missionary activities? (CCC 851) The love of Christ motivates the Church’s missionary activities.
2 Cor 5: “The love of Christ urges us on.”
855. Who said that the blood of martyrs is the seed of Christians? (CCC 852) Tertullian said that the blood of martyrs is the seed of Christians.
Tertullian († 225) is an important ecclesiastical author at the time of the Early Church Fathers.
856. The Church is apostolic: why is this so? (CCC 857) The Church is apostolic, because she is founded on the apostles.
857. In which three ways is the Church founded on the apostles? (CCC 857) The Church is founded on the apostles as:
1. on their witness
2. on their teaching
3. on their successors.
858. What locus classicus shows that the apostles continue Christ’s mission? (CCC 858) The locus classicus that shows that the apostles continue Christ’s mission is Jn 20.
“As the Father has sent me, even so I send you.”
859. What does the Greek word “apóstoloi” mean? (CCC 858) The Greek word “apóstoloi” means “emissaries”.
860. What aspect of the apostolic office could not be transmitted? (CCC 860) The aspect of the apostolic office that could not be transmitted is, that the twelve apostles were the chosen witnesses of the Resurrection and so the foundation stones of the Church.
861. Why did the apostles appoint successors? (CCC 861-862) The apostles appointed successors (bishops) in order that the mission entrusted to them might be continued after their death.
862. What is apostolate? (CCC 863) Apostolate is every activity of the Church aimed at spreading the Kingdom of Christ over all the earth.
863. How does Eph 4 explain the oneness of the Church? (CCC 866) Eph 4 explains the oneness of the Church through the presence of one Body, one Spirit, one hope, one Lord, one Faith, one baptism.
864. Why is the Church holy? (CCC 867) The Church is holy, because Christ made her holy through His Passion.
865. Why is the Church catholic? (CCC 868) The Church is catholic, because she:
1. contains all means of salvation
2. is sent to all people of all times.
866. Why is the Church apostolic? (CCC 869) The Church is apostolic, because she is founded:
1. on the witness
2. the doctrine
3. the successors of the apostles.
867. What does it mean that Christ’s Church “subsists” in the Catholic Church? (CCC 870) That Christ’s Church “subsists” in the Catholic Church means that:
1. the Catholic Church is the Church of Christ
2. there are elements of sanctification and truth outside the Church’s visible confines.
868. How does the Code of Canon Law define the Christian faithful? (CCC 871) The Code of Canon Law defines the Christian faithful as the baptised who are called, each according to his own state, to exercise the mission entrusted by God to the Church.
The “Code of Canon Law” is the collected laws of the Church.
869. By what is equality among Christians constituted? (CCC 872) Equality among Christians is constituted by Baptism.
870. By what are the differences between the members of the Church linked together? (CCC 873) The differences between the members of the Church are linked together by the unity of the Church’s mission.
871. What triple office has Christ entrusted to the apostles and their successors? (CCC 873) To the apostles and their successors Christ has entrusted the triple office of teaching, sanctifying and governing in His name and by His power.
872. In what office of Christ are the laity made to share? (CCC 873) The laity are made to share in the priestly, prophetical and kingly office of Christ.
873. What is a consecrated person? (CCC 873) A consecrated person is a Christian belonging to either the clergy or the laity who serves the Church by living the evangelical counsels.
“The evangelical counsels” are expressed in the three vows of poverty, chastity and obedience.
874. Why did Christ establish the hierarchical constitution of the Church? (CCC 874) Christ established the hierarchical constitution of the Church so that there might be men:
1. to shepherd the Church
2. to increase her numbers.
875. What is the “sacred power” of bishops and priests? (CCC 875) The “sacred power” of bishops and priests is their faculty to act in the person of Christ the Head.
“Sacred power” is in Latin: sacra potéstas ; “in the person of Christ the Head” is in Latin: in persóna Christi Cápitis .
876. What triple character does the ecclesial ministry of bishops and priests have? (CCC 876-878) The ecclesial ministry of bishops and priests is :
1. a service (“ministry”)
2. collegial (“ecclesial”)
3. personal.
877. How does St Paul describe his ecclesial ministry in Rom 1:1? (CCC 876) In Rom 1:1 St Paul describes his ecclesial ministry as being a “slave of Jesus Christ”.
878. Wherein lies the “collegial character” of the ecclesial ministry? (CCC 877) The “collegial character” of the ecclesial ministry lies in the fact that every bishop exercises his ministry from within the episcopal college in communion with the pope.
879. What is the episcopal college? (CCC 880) The episcopal college is the permanent assembly of the bishops, at the head of which is the pope.
880. Whom did Christ make the rock of His Church? (CCC 881) Christ made St Peter the rock (= foundation) of His Church.
881. What office did Christ give to St Peter as well as to the college of the apostles? (CCC 881) Christ gave to St Peter as well as to the college of the apostles the office of binding and loosing.
In Mt 16 Christ says to St Peter: “I will give you the keys of the Kingdom of heaven. Whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.”
882. To whom did Christ entrust the keys of His Church? (CCC 881) Christ entrusted the keys of His Church to St Peter.
883. What kind of power does the pope exercise over the Church? (CCC 882) The pope exercises a full, supreme and universal power over the whole Church.
884. How does the college of bishops exercise power over the Church? (CCC 883) The college of bishops exercises power over the Church in union with the pope, its head and has no authority otherwise.
885. When does the college of bishops solemnly exercise power over the Church? (CCC 884) The college of bishops solemnly exercises power over the Church in an ecumenical council.
There is never an ecumenical council which is not confirmed or at least recognized as such by the pope.
886. What is an ecclesiastical province? (CCC 887) An ecclesiastical province is a grouping of neighbouring dioceses that share the same culture.
Bigger ecclesiastical provinces are called patriarchates.
887. What is the first task of bishops with priests as co-workers? (CCC 888) The first task of bishops with priests as co-workers is to preach the Gospel to all men.
“First” does not necessarily mean “the most important.”
888. How does Christ confer on the Church a share in His infallibility? (CCC 889) Christ confers on the Church a share in His infallibility by a supernatural sense of Faith by which the believers as a whole unfailingly adhere to the Faith under the guidance of the Magisterium.
The sense of faith is in Latin: sénsus fídei .
889. What is the double mission of the Magisterium? (CCC 890) The double mission of the Magisterium is:
1. to preserve the faithful from deviations
2. to guarantee them the possibility of professing the true Faith.
890. What is the charism of infallibility? (CCC 891) The charism of infallibility is the competence of the supreme Magisterium to propose a doctrine for belief as being divinely revealed.
891. How far does the infallibility of the Magisterium extend? (CCC 891) The infallibility of the Magisterium extends:
1. as far as does the deposit of divine Revelation
2. to all doctrinal and moral elements, essential for preserving, explaining or observing the faith
3. to the specific precepts of the natural law.
This answer is explained in greater detail in CCC 2035.
892. In which two ways is the Magisterium of the Church exercised? (CCC 891-892) The Magisterium of the Church is exercised:
1. in the extraordinary Magisterium
2. in the ordinary Magisterium.
893. How is the extraordinary Magisterium exercised? (CCC 891) The extraordinary Magisterium is exercised when a doctrine pertaining to Faith and morals is proclaimed as definitive and infallible:
1. by the pope alone or
2. by the pope and an Ecumenical Council with him.
The pope makes infallible pronouncements when he speaks “ex cáthedra” (Latin: from the throne), i.e. with the full weight of his office.
894. How must the faithful accept a pronouncement of the extraordinary Magisterium? (CCC 891) The faithful must accept a pronouncement of the extraordinary Magisterium with the obedience of Faith.
895. How is the ordinary Magisterium exercised? (CCC 892) The ordinary Magisterium is exercised when the pope or the bishops in communion with him propose, without pronouncing in a definitive manner, a teaching that leads to better understanding of Revelation in matters of Faith and morals.
896. How must the faithful accept a pronouncement of the ordinary Magisterium? (CCC 892) The faithful must accept a pronouncement of the ordinary Magisterium with religious assent.
897. How do the bishops and priests sanctify the Church? (CCC 893) The bishops and priests sanctify the Church by:
1. offering the holy Eucharist
2. ministring the other sacraments
3. ministring the word
4. praying and working.
898. By what means do the bishops chiefly govern their dioceses? (CCC 894) The bishops chiefly govern their dioceses by means of their sacred power.
899. What are the three attributes of the bishops’ power? (CCC 895) The bishop’s power is:
1. proper: entrusted to the bishop personally
2. ordinary: associated with the episcopal office
3. immediate: not practised at the order of a superior but in the bishop’s own name.
The bishop exercises his authority in communion with the whole Church under the guidance of the Pope.
900. Who is the model and form of the bishop’s pastoral office? (CCC 896) The model and form of the bishop’s pastoral office is the Good Shepherd.
901. How should we follow the bishops according to St Ignatius of Antioch? (CCC 896) According to St Ignatius of Antioch (around AD 100) we should follow the bishops as Christ follows His Father.
902. How is the term ‘lay faithful’ understood in the CCC? (CCC 897) The term ‘lay faithful’ is understood in the CCC as all the baptised except those in Holy Orders and those who belong to a religious state approved by the Church.
903. What is the particular vocation of the lay faithful? (CCC 898-899) The particular vocation of the laity is to order according to Christ all temporal things with which they are associated.
This refers especially to the social, political and economical fields.
904. How can the lay faithful participate in Christ’s priestly office? (CCC 901) The lay faithful can participate in Christ’s priestly office by offering up their actions and prayers to the Father during Holy Mass.
905. How do parents in a special way share in Christ’s priestly office of sanctifying? (CCC 902) Parents share in a special way in Christ’s priestly office of sanctifying:
1. by leading a conjugal life in the Christian spirit
2. by seeing to the Christian education of their children.
906. To which two ministries can laymen be admitted permanently? (CCC 903) Laymen can be admitted permanently to the ministries of lector and acolyte.
907. For which clerical functions can lay persons in case of necessity supply? (CCC 903) In case of necessity lay people can supply for the following clerical functions:
1. to exercise the ministry of the word
2. to preside over liturgical prayers
3. to confer Baptism
4. to distribute Holy Communion.
The habitual use of extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion is not acceptable.
908. How do the lay faithful participate in Christ’s prophetic office? (CCC 904) The lay faithful participate in Christ’s prophetic office by teaching in order to lead others to Faith.
909. Where is it said that lay people have at times a duty to tell the bishop what they think? (CCC 907) The CIC can. 212 says that lay people have at times a duty to tell the bishop what they think regarding the good of the Church.
CIC is the Códex Iúris Canónici, the Code of Canon Law of the Church.
910. How do lay people participate in Christ’s kingly office according to St Ambrose? (CCC 908) According to St Ambrose (before AD 400), lay people participate in Christ’s kingly office by exercising a kind of royal power over themselves.
911. How can lay people co-operate in the governance of the Church? (CCC 911) Lay people can co-operate in the governance of the Church by participating at particular councils, synods, pastoral councils, in the pastoral care, finance committees, ecclesiastical tribunals (etc.).
912. Is the consecrated life part of the Church’s hierarchical structure? (CCC 914) No, the consecrated life is not part of the Church’s hierarchical structure.
913. How is consecrated life characterized? (CCC 915) Consecrated life is characterized by the profession of the three evangelical counsels within a permanent state of life recognized by the Church.
914. What are the three evangelical counsels? (CCC 915) The three evangelical counsels are:
1. celibacy
2. poverty
3. obedience.
915. What is a hermit? (CCC 920) A hermit is somebody who lives the evangelical counsels (celibacy, poverty, obedience), in solitude, silence, prayer and penance.
916. What is a consecrated virgin? (CCC 922) A consecrated virgin is a woman who, with the Church’s approval, lives in a state of virginity for the sake of the Kingdom of heaven.
917. What is a consecrated widow? (CCC 922) A consecrated widow is a woman who, with the Church’s approval, lives in a state of perpetual chastity for the sake of the Kingdom of heaven.
918. What is the Consecrátio Vírginum? (CCC 923) The Consecrátio Vírginum is a solemn rite by which virgins are consecrated to God by the diocesan bishop.
919. What is religious life? (CCC 925) Religious life is a form of consecrated life that is:
1. canonically erected by the Church within institutes
2. of liturgical character
3. publicly professing the evangelical counsels
4. established in communities
5. giving witness to the world.
920. What is a secular institute? (CCC 928) A secular institute is an institute of consecrated life whose members live in the world, striving for the perfection of charity and working for the sanctification of the world.
921. What is a society of apostolic life? (CCC 930) A society of apostolic life is a group whose members:
1. do not profess religious vows
2. pursue a particular apostolic purpose
3. lead a life as brothers or sisters in common
4. strive for perfection in charity.
922. In which two groups are the faithful divided? (CCC 934) The faithful are divided into:
1. clerics in law
2. laity.
923. Why did Christ send His apostles and their successors? (CCC 935) Christ sent His apostles and their successors:
1. to have them participate in His mission
2. to give them a share in His authority.
924. Whom did Christ make the visible foundation of His Church? (CCC 936) Christ made St Peter the visible foundation of His Church.
925. What kind of power does the pope enjoy over the Church? (CCC 937) The pope enjoys (1) supreme, (2) full, (3) immediate and (4) universal power over the Church.
926. What is a bishop? (CCC 938) A bishop is:
1. a successor of the apostles
2. the visible source of unity in his diocese.
927. What is the duty of the bishop? (CCC 939) The duty of the bishop is:
1. to teach the Faith
2. to celebrate divine worship
3. to guide the Church.
928. What is the task of the laity? (CCC 940) The task of the laity is to be apostles in the circumstances in which they live.
929. How do lay people share in Christ’s priesthood? (CCC 941) Lay people share in Christ’s priesthood (= office of sanctification) by fulfilling the call to holiness in all parts of their lives.
930. How do lay people share in Christ’s prophetic mission? (CCC 942) Lay people share in Christ’s prophetic mission by witnessing to Christ in the world.
931. How do lay people share in Christ’s kingly mission? (CCC 943) Lay people share in Christ’s kingly mission by uprooting sin within themselves and by service in the world.
932. How is consecrated life characterized? (CCC 944) Consecrated life is characterized:
(1) by the public profession of the evangelical counsels, (2) in a stable state of life recognized by the Church.
933. To what does a person consecrate himself in religious life? (CCC 945) A person consecrates himself in religious life to the complete service of God and the Church.
934. How can one explain the communion of goods in the Church? (CCC 947) One can explain the communion of goods in the Church in three steps:
(1) Christ and all the faithful form one Body since they are governed by one and the same Spirit.
(2) In a body the good of one member is communicated to all others.
(3) Thus: In the Church the good of each, especially of Christ, is communicated to all others.
935. What two closely linked meanings does the term “communion of saints” have? (CCC 948) The term “communion of saints” has the meaning of:
1. communion in spiritual goods (Latin: sáncta)
2. communion among holy persons (Latin: sáncti).
936. When are the two meanings of “communion of saints” proclaimed in Holy Mass? (CCC 948) The two meanings of “communion of saints” are proclaimed in Holy Mass by the celebrant in most Eastern liturgies during the elevation of the holy Gifts before the distribution of Communion: “Sáncta sánctis !” (“God’s holy gifts for God’s holy people).
937. In what five ways is the communion in spiritual goods expressed? (CCC 949-953) The communion in spiritual goods is expressed through communion:
1. in the Faith
2. of the sacraments
3. of charisms
4. of possessing everything in common
5. in charity.
938. What is the locus classicus for the first disciples’ communion in spiritual goods? (CCC 950) The locus classicus for the first disciples’ communion in spiritual goods is Acts 2.
Acts 2:42: “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of the bread and the prayers.”
939. Why can the expression “communion” be applied to all sacraments? (CCC 950) The expression “communion” can be applied to all sacraments, because they unite the faithful with one another and bind them to Jesus Christ.
940. Why do charisms contribute to the communion in spiritual goods? (CCC 951) Charisms contribute to the communion in spiritual goods, because they are special graces among the faithful of every rank that serve for the common good and the building up of the Church.
941. Why does charity contribute to the communion in spiritual goods? (CCC 953) Charity contributes to the communion in spiritual goods, because the least of our acts done in charity redounds to the profit of all.
942. What are the three states of the communion of the Church of heaven and earth? (CCC 954) The three states of the communion of the Church of heaven and earth are:
1. the militant Church on earth (Latin: ecclésia mílitans)
2. the suffering Church in purgatory (Latin: ecclésia púrgans)
3. the triumphant Church in heaven (Latin: ecclésia triúmphans).
943. How is the union of the living with the faithful departed reinforced? (CCC 955) The union of the living with the faithful departed is reinforced by an exchange of spiritual goods.
944. In what triple way do the saints in heaven help the Church? (CCC 956) The saints in heaven help the Church:
1. by fixing her more firmly in holiness
2. by interceding for her
3. by proffering the merits that they acquired on earth.
945. For what two reasons do we cherish the memory of the saints? (CCC 957) We cherish the memory of the saints in order:
1. to be more closely united with Christ
2. to have an example for our Christian life.
946. For what two reasons should we pray for the dead? (CCC 958) We should pray for the dead, because it helps them and because if we do so they will pray for us.
947. What does the expression in the Creed “communion of saints” mean when referring to “holy things”? (CCC 960) When referring to “holy things”, the expression “communion of saints” means spiritual goods, above all the Eucharist.
948. What does the expression in the Creed “communion of saints” mean when referring to persons? (CCC 961) When referring to persons, the expression “communion of saints” means the communion of “holy persons” in Christ.
949. Whom does the “communion of holy persons” include? (CCC 962) The “communion of holy persons” includes the faithful:
1. on earth
2. in purgatory
3. in heaven.
950. Why is Our Lady “Mother of the Church”? (CCC 963) Our Lady is “Mother of the Church”, because she has participated in bringing about the birth of believers.
951. When is Mary’s motherhood with regard to the Church made manifest above all? (CCC 964) Mary’s motherhood with regard to the Church is made manifest above all when the dying Christ makes her a mother to His disciple: “Woman, behold your son” (Jn 19).
952. How did Our Lady help the beginnings of the Church after Christ’s Ascension? (CCC 965) Our Lady helped the beginnings of the Church after Christ’s Ascension by her prayers.
953. When was Our Lady exalted by the Lord as Queen over all things? (CCC 966) Our Lady was exalted by the Lord as Queen over all things after she was taken up body and soul into heaven.
954. Why is Our Lady the Church’s model of Faith and charity? (CCC 967) Our Lady is the Church’s model of Faith and charity because of her complete adherence:
1. to the Father’s will
2. to Christ’s redemptive work
3. to every prompting of the Holy Spirit.
Thus, Our Lady is the “exemplary realization” (typus) of the Church.
955. Why is Our Lady a mother to the Church in the order of grace? (CCC 968) Our Lady is a mother to the Church in the order of grace, because she co-operated in restoring supernatural life to souls.
956. Why is Our Lady invoked as Advocate, Helper, Benefactress and Mediátrix? (CCC 969-970) Our Lady is invoked as Advocate, Helper, Benefactress and Mediátrix, because from heaven she continues to bring to the Church the gifts of eternal salvation.
Our Lady’s function as mother of men does not diminish the unique mediation of Christ but rather shows its power.
957. What is the locus classicus for devotion to the Blessed Virgin? (CCC 971) The locus classicus for devotion to the Blessed Virgin is found in the Magníficat (Lk 1). “All generations will call me blessed.”
958. How is the veneration of Our Lady different from the adoration given to God? (CCC 971) The veneration of Our Lady is essentially different from the adoration given to God.
“Essentially” means “referring to the essence” which, in Our Lady’s case, is that of a creature while, in the second case, it refers to God Himself.
959. In what way is Mary the eschatological icon of the Church? (CCC 972) Mary is the eschatological icon of the Church in that she is the image and beginning of the Bride of Christ as she will be when perfected in the world to come.
The term “eschatological” means: “referring to the final destiny”.
960. When is Our Lady’s collaboration with the work of her Son visible for the first time? (CCC 973) Our Lady’s collaboration with the work of her Son is visible for the first time in her “Fiat” at the Annunciation.
961. What happened to Our Lady when the course of her earthly life was completed? (CCC 974) When the course of her earthly life was completed, Our Lady was taken up body and soul into the glory of heaven.
962. On behalf of whom does Our Lady exercise her maternal role in heaven? (CCC 975) Our Lady exercises her maternal role in heaven on behalf of the Church.
963. When did the risen Christ confer on His apostles the divine power to forgive sins? (CCC 976) The risen Christ conferred on His apostles the divine power to forgive sins when, in the evening of the day of Resurrection, He gave them the Holy Spirit (Jn 20).
964. What did Christ say in order to confer on the apostles the power of forgiving sins? (CCC 976) In order to confer on the apostles the power of forgiving sins Christ said: “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained” (Jn 20).
965. With which words did Christ institute one baptism for the forgiveness of sins? (CCC 977) Christ instituted one baptism for the forgiveness of sins in Mk 16 with the words: “He who believes and is baptised will be saved (from his sins).”
966. What is the first and chief sacrament of the forgiveness of sins? (CCC 977) The first and chief sacrament of the forgiveness of sins is Baptism.
967. How complete is the forgiveness we receive at Baptism? (CCC 978) The forgiveness we receive at Baptism is so complete that there is nothing left to efface, neither (1) original sin nor (2) actual sins nor is there left any (3) penalty to suffer to expiate them.
968. What wounds caused by original sin remain in man after Baptism? (CCC 978) The wounds caused by original sin remaining in man after Baptism are the weaknesses of nature.
They are: two in the body (passibility, mortality) and four in the soul (concupiscence, weakness, ignorance, malice).
969. What wound of the soul that remains after Baptism never ceases to lead man into evil? (CCC 978) The wound of the soul that remains after Baptism and never ceases to lead man into evil is concupiscence.
970. Why is Baptism not the Church’s only means of forgiving sins? (CCC 979) Baptism isn’t the Church’s only means of forgiving sins, because man keeps sinning after Baptism and thus needs to be forgiven his offences.
971. How are those who have fallen after Baptism reconciled with God and the Church? (CCC 980) Those who have fallen after Baptism are reconciled with God and with the Church through the sacrament of Penance.
972. What did Christ give to the apostles through the power of the keys? (CCC 981) Christ gave to the apostles through the power of the keys the faculty:
1. to communicate to men the forgiveness of sins in Baptism
2. to reconcile them with God and the Church (confession).
In Mt 16 Christ says to St Peter: “I will give you the keys of the Kingdom of heaven. Whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.”
973. Why does the Creed link the forgiveness of sins with its profession of Faith in the Holy Spirit? (CCC 984) The Creed links the forgiveness of sins with its profession of Faith in the Holy Spirit, because the risen Lord entrusted to the apostles the power to forgive sins when giving them the Holy Spirit (Jn 20).
974. What is the first and chief sacrament of the forgiveness of sins? (CCC 985) The first and chief sacrament of the forgiveness of sins is Baptism.
975. In which sacrament does the Church forgive the sins of the baptised? (CCC 986) The Church forgives the sins of the baptised in the sacrament of Penance.
976. What role do priests and sacraments play in the forgiveness of sins? (CCC 987) In the forgiveness of sins, priests and sacraments play the role of instruments which Christ wills to use in order to efface our sins.
977. Whose work will our resurrection be? (CCC 989) Our resurrection will be the work of the Most Holy Trinity.
978. What does the term “flesh” mean when referring to the whole man? (CCC 990) When referring to the whole man, the term “flesh” means man in his state of weakness and mortality.
979. What does the expression “resurrection of the flesh” mean? (CCC 990) The expression “resurrection of the flesh” means that our mortal body will come to life again.
980. Why are Christ’s Resurrection and ours connected? (CCC 995) Christ’s Resurrection and ours are connected, because we shall rise:
1. like Christ
2. with Him
3. through Him.
981. What is the Old Testament locus classicus for the resurrection of the flesh? (CCC 992) The Old Testament locus classicus for the resurrection of the flesh is the confession of the Maccabean martyrs in 2 Macc 7.
“The King of the universe will raise us up to an everlasting renewal of life, because we have died for His laws.”
982. Did the Pharisees at the time of Christ believe in a resurrection of the flesh? (CCC 993) Yes, the Pharisees at the time of Christ believed in a resurrection of the flesh.
The Pharisees were a Jewish religious lay movement at the time of Christ.
983. Did the Sadducees at the time of Christ believe in a resurrection of the flesh? (CCC 993) No, the Sadducees at the time of Christ did not believe in a resurrection of the flesh.
The Sadducees were a religious group standing for the interests of the priestly aristocracy at the time of Christ.
984. Where in the NT does Christ link Faith in the resurrection of the flesh to His own person? (CCC 994) Christ links Faith in the resurrection of the flesh to His own person in Jn 11: “I am the Resurrection and the life.”
985. What happens to the souls of the just in death? (CCC 997) In death the souls of the just:
1. are separated from the body
2. go to meet God
3. await the reunion with their glorified bodies.
The individual meeting of the soul with God is the “Particular Judgment” (as opposed to the “General Judgment”).
986. Who will rise at the end of times? (CCC 998) Everybody will rise at the end of times: the good to the resurrection of life, the wicked to the resurrection of judgment.
987. In which shape will the dead rise? (CCC 999) The dead will rise in their own bodies.
988. Why does the Church believe in a bodily resurrection? (CCC 999) The Church believes in a bodily resurrection, because Christ was resurrected with His own body.
989. When will the resurrection of the dead take place? (CCC 1001) The resurrection of the dead will take place “at the last day”, “at the end of the world” when Christ comes again.
The Second Coming of Christ is called in Greek Parousía .
990. In which sacrament is the death and resurrection of the Christian anticipated? (CCC 1002) The death and resurrection of the Christian is anticipated in the sacrament of Baptism.
991. Why do the faithful need dying in Christ Jesus? (CCC 1005) The faithful need dying in Christ Jesus in order to rise with Him.
992. Why does death lend urgency to our lives? (CCC 1007) Death lends urgency to our lives, because through it we have only a limited time in which to bring our lives to fulfilment.
993. How did death enter the world? (CCC 1008) Death entered the world through one man’s sin.
994. Why was man immortal while being in Paradise? (CCC 1008) Though man’s nature is mortal, he was immortal in Paradise, because God had destined him not to die.
995. What does St Paul say in Phil 1 about dying and living? (CCC 1010) In Phil 1 St Paul says about dying and living: “For to me to live is Christ and to die is gain.”
996. How does Hebr 9 deny the possibility of a “reincarnation”? (CCC 1013) Hebr 9:27 denies the possibility of a “reincarnation” by saying: “It is appointed for men once to die.”
997. Why should the Christian not pray for a sudden and unforeseen death? (CCC 1014) The Christian should not pray for a sudden and unforeseen death, because he needs time to prepare himself for the hour of death.
998. Who is the patron saint of a happy death? (CCC 1014) St Joseph is the patron saint of a happy death.
999. What did Tertullian say about the relationship between flesh and salvation? (CCC 1015) Tertullian († 225) said about the relationship between flesh and salvation that “the flesh is the hinge of salvation.”
1000. What is death? (CCC 1016) Death is the separation of soul and body.
1001. What body will rise again according to Lyons II? (CCC 1017) According to Lyons II (AD 1274) the body that we now possess will rise again.
1002. Why must man die? (CCC 1018) Man must die because of original sin.
1003. How did Christ conquer death? (CCC 1019) Dying, Christ conquered death.
1004. What three sacraments does the Christian fittingly receive before dying? (CCC 1020) Before dying the Christian fittingly receives the sacraments of Confession, the anointing of the sick and Holy Communion.
1005. How is the Particular Judgment defined? (CCC 1021) The Particular Judgment is defined as a reward for each soul immediately after death in accordance with his works and Faith.
After the resurrection of the flesh and the Last or General Judgment the reward will also be in the body.
1006. What two types of judgment does the New Testament reveal? (CCC 1021) The New Testament reveals:
1. the Particular Judgment immediately after death
2. the Last Judgment at Christ’s Second Coming.
1007. In the context of which two figures is the Particular Judgment revealed in the NT? (CCC 1021) The Particular Judgment is revealed in the New Testament in the context of:
1. the poor man Lazarus (Lk 16)
2. Christ’s words to the good thief: “Today you will be with me in Paradise” (Lk 23).
1008. How does Christ reveal the existence of an immediate reward after death? (CCC 1021) Christ reveals the existence of an immediate reward after death by saying on the cross to the good thief: “Today you will be with me in Paradise” (Lk 23).
1009. Can the soul still decide for or against God after death? (CCC 1021) No, after death the soul can no longer decide for or against God.
1010. Which four magisterial texts are most important for Eschatology? (CCC 1022) The four magisterial texts most important for Eschatology are those of:
1. Lyons II (AD 1274)
2. the Dogmatic Constitution Benedíctus Deus issued by Pope Benedict XII (AD 1336)
3. Florence (AD 1438-45)
4. Trent (AD 1545-1563).
Eschatology deals with nine things: Death, Particular Judgment, Heaven, Hell, Purgatory, Second Coming of Christ, Resurrection of the Dead, General Judgment, End of the World.
1011. When does man receive his eternal reward in his immortal soul? (CCC 1022) Man receives his eternal reward in his immortal soul at the Particular Judgment at the very moment of his death.
1012. What retribution can man expect immediately after death? (CCC 1022) Immediately after death man can expect:
1. immediate entrance into heaven or
2. entrance into heaven after a purification or
3. immediate and everlasting damnation in hell.
1013. What Council speaks about the triple fate of the dead? (CCC 1022) Lyons II (AD 1274) speaks about the triple fate of the dead: Heaven, Purgatory and Hell.
1014. On what will we be judged according to St John of the Cross? (CCC 1022) According to St John of the Cross we will be judged on our love.
St John of the Cross († 1591) was a Spanish mystic, an extensive writer, and joint founder of the Discaled Carmelites.
1015. What soul goes straight to heaven? (CCC 1023) The soul goes straight to heaven that dies:
1. in God’s grace and friendship
2. perfectly purified.
1016. What do the souls in heaven do? (CCC 1023) The souls in heaven contemplate God face to face as He is.
1017. What does Benedict XII define in the Constitution Benedíctus Deus? (CCC 1023) In the Constitution Benedíctus Deus Benedict XII († 1342) defines that since Our Lord’s Ascension, even before taking up their bodies again and before the General Judgment, the souls of the blessed have enjoyed and do enjoy the beatific vision without the mediation of any creature.
1018. What is heaven? (CCC 1024) Heaven is the place where man lives and loves in the supreme and perpetual happiness with the Most Holy Trinity in communion with the Blessed Virgin and all angels and saints.
1019. How did Jesus Christ “open” heaven to us? (CCC 1026) Jesus Christ “opened” heaven to us by His death and Resurrection.
1020. What images does Scripture use in order to describe heaven? (CCC 1027) In order to describe heaven, Scripture uses the images: life, light, peace, wedding feast, wine of the kingdom, the Father’s house, the heavenly Jerusalem, Paradise.
1021. How does St Paul describe heaven in 1 Cor 2? (CCC 1027) St Paul describes heaven in 1 Cor 2 by saying that “eye has not seen, nor ear heard, neither has it entered into the heart of man, what things God has prepared for them that love Him.”
1022. What does the term “the Beatific Vision” mean? (CCC 1028) The term “the Beatific Vision” means the contemplation of God in heaven.
1023. Which souls are in the final purification or Purgatory? (CCC 1030) The souls of all those who die in God’s grace and friendship, but who are still imperfectly purified, are in Purgatory.
1024. What is Purgatory? (CCC 1031) Purgatory is the final purification of those of the elect who after death still need purification.
1025. At which two Councils did the Church define her doctrine on Purgatory? (CCC 1031) The Church defined her doctrine on Purgatory at the Councils of Florence and Trent.
1026. What is the locus classicus for the doctrine on Purgatory? (CCC 1031) The locus classicus for the doctrine on Purgatory is 1 Cor 3,15.
“If any man’s work burn, he shall suffer loss; but he himself shall be saved, yet so as by fire.”
1027. How does St Gregory the Great use Mt 12 to explain the existence of Purgatory? (CCC 1031) St Gregory the Great uses Mt 12:31 to explain the existence of Purgatory in this way:
(1) Who blasphemes against the Spirit will be pardoned neither in this nor in the next age.
(2) This implies that there is a pardoning of sins in the age to come.
(3) This pardoning we call Purgatory.
Pope Gregory the Great (around AD 600) is one of the four original western doctors of the Church.
1028. What is the Old Testament locus classicus for the prayer for the dead? (CCC 1032) The Old Testament locus classicus for the prayer for the dead is 2 Macc 12.
2 Macc 12:46 says that Judas Maccabeus made atonement for the dead, that they might be delivered from their sin.
1029. What is the first thing we can do for the souls in Purgatory? (CCC 1032) The first thing we can do for the souls in Purgatory is to offer for them the Eucharistic sacrifice.
1030. Which souls go to hell? (CCC 1033) The souls of those go to hell who die in mortal sin without repenting and accepting God’s merciful love.
1031. What is hell? (CCC 1033) Hell is a place or state of eternal punishment for those who remain forever separated from God and the blessed.
1032. What does Christ call hell? (CCC 1034) Christ calls hell “Gehenna”, “the unquenchable fire”, “the furnace of fire” or “the eternal fire”.
1033. What two things does the Church affirm about hell? (CCC 1035) The Church affirms about hell:
1. that it exists
2. that it is eternal.
1034. What is the chief punishment of hell? (CCC 1035) The chief punishment of hell is eternal separation from God.
1035. Where does the New Testament seem to say that more go to hell than to heaven? (CCC 1036) The New Testament seems to say in Mt 7 that more go to hell than to heaven.
Mt 7:13-14 says that many enter through the wide gate leading to destruction, while few enter through the narrow gate leading to life.
1036. Does God predestine some to go to hell? (CCC 1037) No, God does not predestine anybody to go to hell.
In order to go to hell a wilful turning away from God (= mortal sin) and persistence therein to the end is necessary.
1037. What event immediately precedes the Last Judgment? (CCC 1038) The event immediately preceding the Last Judgment is the resurrection of all the dead.
1038. What is the Last Judgment? (CCC 1038) The Last Judgment is the hour when all who are in the tombs will come forth, the good to the resurrection of life and the wicked, to the resurrection of judgment.
The Last Judgment is also called the “General Judgment”.
1039. What will the Last Judgment reveal about each person? (CCC 1039) The Last Judgment will reveal about each person:
1. the truth of each person’s relationship with God
2. the good each person has done or failed to do while on earth.
1040. What will the Last Judgment reveal about God’s justice and love? (CCC 1040) The Last Judgment will reveal:
1. the triumph of God’s justice over all human injustices
2. the triumph of God’s love over death.
1041. What are the new heaven and the new earth promised in the New Testament? (CCC 1043) The new heaven and the new earth promised in the New Testament are the mysterious renewal at the end which will transform men and world.
1042. What is the locus classicus for the new heaven and the new earth? (CCC 1044) The locus classicus for the new heaven and the new earth is Rev 21.
1043. What happens at the Particular Judgment? (CCC 1051) At the Particular Judgment, immediately after death, every man receives his eternal recompense in his immortal soul.
1044. When will the souls of the departed be reunited with their bodies? (CCC 1052) The souls of the departed will be reunited with their bodies on the day of the resurrection of the flesh.
1045. By whom is the Church of heaven formed? (CCC 1053) The Church of heaven is formed by the souls of the just in Paradise.
1046. What happens to those who die in God’s grace but are imperfectly purified? (CCC 1054) Those who die in God’s grace but are imperfectly purified (1) are assured of their salvation but (2) must undergo a purification in Purgatory.
1047. How does the Church commend the dead to God’s mercy? (CCC 1055) The Church commends the dead to God’s mercy by offering her prayers, especially in Holy Mass.
1048. Whose example does the Church follow in warning the faithful of hell? (CCC 1056) In warning the faithful of hell, the Church follows the example of Christ.
1049. Why is separation from God the biggest punishment in hell? (CCC 1057) Separation from God is the biggest punishment in hell, because in God alone man can find life and happiness.
1050. Does God desire that people go to hell? (CCC 1058) No, God does not desire that people go to hell but “desires all men to be saved” (1 Tim 2).
1051. When will all men appear in their own bodies before Christ’s tribunal? (CCC 1059) All men will appear in their own bodies before Christ’s tribunal on the Day of the Last Judgment.
1052. What are the three characteristics of the Kingdom of God at the end of time? (CCC 1060) The three characteristics of the Kingdom of God at the end of time are:
1. the reigning of the just with Christ
2. the transformation of the material universe
3. God’s being all in all.
1053. From which language is the word “Amen” taken? (CCC 1061) The word “Amen” is taken from Hebrew.
The word “Amen” means: “So be it.”
1054. What two things does the word “Amen” express? (CCC 1062) The word “Amen” expresses:
1. God’s faithfulness toward us
2. our trust in Him.
1055. Which mysteries of Christ above all does the Church celebrate in the Liturgy? (CCC 1067) In the Liturgy the Church celebrates above all Christ’s death and Resurrection.
1056. What did the word “liturgy” originally mean? (CCC 1069) The word “liturgy” originally meant:
1. a public work
2. a service in the name of/ on behalf of the people.
1057. What is the Christian meaning of the word “liturgy”? (CCC 1069) The Christian meaning of the word “liturgy” is “participation in the work of God”.
1058. Which are the three New Testament meanings of the word “liturgy”? (CCC 1070) The three New Testament meanings of the word “liturgy” are:
1. the celebration of divine worship
2. the proclamation of the Gospel
3. active charity.
1059. How does the Liturgy involve the whole Church? (CCC 1071) The Liturgy involves the whole Church by:
1. manifesting the Church as the sign of the communion between God and men
2. engaging the faithful in the new life of the community
3. involving the participation of everyone.
1060. What is the aim of liturgical catechesis? (CCC 1075) The aim of liturgical catechesis is to initiate the faithful into the mysteries of Christ through teaching them the sacraments.
1061. What is the initiation of the faithful into the mysteries of Christ called? (CCC 1075) The initiation of the faithful into the mysteries of Christ is called mystagogy.
The term “mystagogy” means literally “leading into the mystery”. The mysteries are the sacraments.
1062. How does the initiation into Christ’s mysteries proceed? (CCC 1075) The initation into Christ’s mysteries proceeds from the visible sign of the sacrament to the signified invisible mystery.
1063. What is the sacramental economy? (CCC 1076) The sacramental economy is the communication of the fruits of Christ’s death and Resurrection through the sacraments.
The sacramental economy is also called sacramental dispensation.
1064. Why is the Father source and goal of the Liturgy? (CCC 1078) The Father is:
1. source of the Liturgy, because He is the origin of all liturgical blessings
2. goal of the Liturgy, because all liturgical blessings are directed toward Him.
1065. How does the Liturgy respond to the blessings received from the Father? (CCC 1083) The Liturgy responds to the blessings received from the Father:
1. by blessing the Father for His gift
2. by presenting to the Father the offering of His own gifts.
1066. How is Christ’s work in the Liturgy performed? (CCC 1084) Christ’s work in the Liturgy is performed through the sacraments.
The sacraments are efficacious signs of grace, instituted by Christ, by which divine life is dispensed to us (CCC 1131).
1067. What event does Christ principally make present in the Liturgy? (CCC 1085) Christ principally makes present in the Liturgy His own death and Resurrection.
1068. How is Christ present in the earthly Liturgy? (CCC 1088) Christ is present in the earthly Liturgy:
1. above all in the Eucharistic species
2. in the person of His minister
3. in the Word proclaimed
4. in the Church gathered together in His name.
1069. What is the dual role of the Holy Spirit in the Liturgy? (CCC 1091) The dual role of the Holy Spirit in the Liturgy is as:
1. teacher of the faithful
2. artisan of the sacraments.
1070. How does the Liturgy become the common work of the Spirit and the Church? (CCC 1091) The Liturgy becomes the common work of the Spirit and the Church through the cooperation which the Holy Spirit brings about in us, when He encounters our response of faith which He has aroused.
1071. How does the Holy Spirit act in the sacramental dispensation? (CCC 1092) The Holy Spirit acts in the sacramental dispensation by:
1. preparing the faithful for the encounter with Christ
2. making Christ manifest to the faithful
3. making Christ’s mystery present here and now
4. uniting the faithful to Christ.
Sacramental dispensation or sacramental economy is the communication of the fruits of Christ’s death and Resurrection through the sacraments.
1072. How did the Holy Spirit prepare Christ’s Church in the Old Testament? (CCC 1093) The Holy Spirit prepared Christ’s Church in the Old Testament by means of:
1. the history of the people of Israel
2. the Old Covenant.
1073. Why did the Church retain certain elements of the worship of the OT? (CCC 1093) The Church retained certain elements of the worship of the Old Testament, because the Church was prepared in the history of the Old Covenant.
1074. Which elements of the worship of the Old Covenant did the Church retain? (CCC 1093) The elements of the worship of the Old Covenant that the Church retained are:
1. the fulfilled sacrifice
2. reading of the Old Testament
3. praying the Psalms
4. recalling Old Testament events and realities.
1075. What name is given to catechesis that unveils the harmony between the OT and the NT? (CCC 1094) The name given to catechesis that unveils the harmony between the Old Testament and the New Testament is typological catechesis.
It is called “typological”, because it reveals Christ on the basis of the “figures” (types) which announce Him in the OT.
1076. When is the typological reading of the OT especially present in the Liturgy? (CCC 1095) The typological reading of the Old Testament is especially present in the Liturgy during Advent and Lent.
1077. Why must the faithful prepare themselves to encounter Christ in the Liturgy? (CCC 1098) The faithful must prepare themselves to encounter Christ in the Liturgy, because such a preparation is a precondition for the reception of the graces conferred both during the liturgical celebration itself and afterwards.
1078. Whose work is the preparation of hearts before the liturgical celebrations? (CCC 1098) The preparation of hearts before the liturgical celebrations is the joint work of the Holy Spirit and of the faithful, especially of the ministers.
1079. How does the Holy Spirit prepare the faithful to encounter Christ? (CCC 1098) The Holy Spirit prepares the faithful to encounter Christ by awakening in them:
1. faith,
2. conversion of heart and
3. adherence to the Father’s will.
1080. Who is the Church’s living memory? (CCC 1099) The Holy Spirit is the Church’s living memory.
1081. What is the liturgical role of the Spirit in the understanding of God’s Word? (CCC 1101) The liturgical role of the Spirit in the understanding of God’s Word is to give a spiritual understanding of it to its readers and hearers.
1082. What is anámnesis? (CCC 1103) Anámnesis is the liturgical remembrance of the salvific works of God.
1083. How is the Holy Spirit active in the Liturgy of the Word? (CCC 1103) The Holy Spirit is active in the Liturgy of the Word by reminding us of all that Christ has done for us.
1084. Why is the Liturgy not merely the remembrance of the Pascal Mysteries? (CCC 1104) The Liturgy is not merely the remembrance of the Pascal mysteries, because it does not only remember them but also makes them present.
The Pascal Mysteries are the death and Resurrection of Christ.
1085. In what part of Mass does the priest beg the Father to send the Holy Spirit? (CCC 1105) In the epiclesis the priest begs the Father to send the Holy Spirit.
Epíclesis is Greek and means literally “invocation upon”.
1086. Where is the place of the anamnesis and epiclesis in the sacramental celebration? (CCC 1106) The place of the anamensis and epiclesis is at the heart of each sacramental celebration.
Anamnesis is the liturgical remembrance of the salvific works of God. Epíclesis is the invocation of the Holy Spirit.
1087. Why is the Church the great ‘sacrament’ of divine communion? (CCC 1108) The Church is the great ‘sacrament’ of divine communion, because:
1. the Holy Spirit, who is the Spirit of communion, abides indefectibly in the Church
2. the Church gathers God’s scattered children together.
The Church is called a ‘sacrament’ in an analogical sense.
1088. What is the double fruit of the Holy Spirit in the Liturgy? (CCC 1108) The double fruit of the Holy Spirit in the Liturgy is:
1. communion with the Holy Trinity
2. fraternal communion among the faithful.
1089. Whom does the Liturgy adore as the source of all blessings? (CCC 1110) The Liturgy adores God, the Father, as the source of all blessings.
1090. How does Christ act in the Liturgy in a sacramental way? (CCC 1111) Christ acts in the Liturgy in a sacramental way:
1. by making salvation present through the seven sacraments
2. by using the Church like a sacrament as a sign and instrument that dispenses grace
3. by designing the sacraments as a foretaste of the Eternal Liturgy of heaven.
1091. What is the fourfold liturgical mission of the Holy Spirit? (CCC 1112) The fourfold liturgical mission of the Holy Spirit is:
1. to prepare the faithful for an encounter with Christ
2. to manifest Christ to the faithful
3. to make Christ’s action present to the faithful
4. to produce communion in the Church.
1092. What are the seven sacraments? (CCC 1113) The seven sacraments are: Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist, Penance, Anointing of the Sick, Holy Orders and Matrimony.
Penance is usually called Confession; in the Eastern Churches, Confirmation is called Chrismation.
1093. Why are the seven sacraments called the sacraments of Christ? (CCC 1114) The seven sacraments are called the sacraments of Christ, because they have been instituted by Jesus Christ.
1094. Who instituted the seven sacraments? (CCC 1114) Jesus Christ instituted the seven sacraments.
1095. How do we know that Jesus Christ instituted the seven sacraments? (CCC 1114) We know that Jesus Christ instituted the seven sacraments through:
1. the teaching of the Holy Scriptures
2. the apostolic tradition
3. the consensus of the Fathers.
The “Fathers” are the holy theologians of the first millennium.
1096. Why are the mysteries of Christ’s life connected with the seven sacraments? (CCC 1115) The mysteries of Christ’s life are connected with the seven sacraments, because they passed over into them.
The “mysteries of Christ’s life” are His Incarnation, His words and actions during His hidden life and public ministry.
1097. Why are the sacraments works of the Holy Trinity? (CCC 1116) The sacraments are works of the Trinity, because they are:
1. powers coming forth from the Body of Christ
2. actions of the Holy Spirit at work in the Church
3. the Father’s masterworks in the everlasting covenant.
1098. In which double sense are the seven sacraments the sacraments of the Church? (CCC 1118) The seven sacraments are the sacraments of the Church in the double sense that they are:
1. “by the Church”: because they are performed by the Church through Christ’s action
2. “for the Church”: because the sacraments make the Church.
1099. Who said that the sacraments make the Church? (CCC 1118) St Augustine († 430) said that the sacraments make the Church.
1100. What two types of priesthood exist in the Church? (CCC 1119-1120) In the Church there exist:
1. the priesthood of all the faithful, conferred by Baptism and Confirmation
2. the ministerial priesthood received through the sacrament of Holy Orders.
1101. Why does the ordained priesthood guarantee that Christ is acting through the sacraments? (CCC 1120) The ordained priesthood guarantees that Christ is acting through the sacraments, because it constitutes the bond that ties the liturgical action to the apostles and through them to Christ.
1102. What do Baptism, Confirmation and Holy Orders confer in addition to grace? (CCC 1121) Baptism, Confirmation and Holy Orders confer in addition to grace a “sacramental character”.
1103. What is the “sacramental character”? (CCC 1121) The sacramental character is an indelible mark imprinted on the soul for all eternity and a configuration by which the Christian (1) shares in Christ’s priesthood and (2) is made a member of the Church according to different states and functions.
The sacramental character is also called a seal.
1104. What are the three characteristics of the “sacramental seal”? (CCC 1121) The three characteristics of the “sacramental seal” are that:
1. it is indelible
2. it is a positive disposition for grace
3. it is a deputation (vocation) to divine worship and service.
Since the sacramental seal (=character) is indelible, sacraments that confer it cannot be repeated.
1105. Why are the seven sacraments called the sacraments of Faith? (CCC 1123) The seven sacraments are called the sacraments of Faith, because:
1. they presuppose faith
2. they nourish, strengthen and express faith.
1106. What is the triple purpose of the sacraments? (CCC 1123) The triple purpose of the sacraments is:
1. to sanctify men
2. to build up the Body of Christ
3. to give worship to God.
1107. What does the Latin saying lex orandi lex credendi mean? (CCC 1124) The Latin saying lex orandi lex credendi is translated in English “the law of praying/ worship is the law of faith” and means that the Church believes as she prays.
1108. Why are priests or communities not allowed to change the Liturgy? (CCC 1124-1125) Priest or communities are not allowed to change the Liturgy, because the Liturgy is a constitutive element of the Tradition.
1109. Why is the lex orandi essential for reaching the unity of all Christians? (CCC 1126) The lex orandi (= the celebration of the sacraments) is essential for reaching the unity of all Christians, because the sacraments express the Church’s unity of faith.
“Lex orandi” is Latin and means literally: “the law of prayer/ worship”.
1110. Why can the sacraments be called the sacraments of Salvation? (CCC 1127) The sacraments can be called the sacraments of Salvation, because in them Christ, the Saviour, Himself is at work.
1111. What do the sacraments confer according to Trent? (CCC 1127) According to Trent the sacraments confer the grace that they signify.
The Council of Trent (AD 1545-63) followed the Reformation. It rejected Protestantism and reinforced orthodoxy.
1112. Why does the Holy Spirit work in the sacraments like fire? (CCC 1127) The Holy Spirit works in the sacraments like fire because, as fire transforms into itself everything it touches, so the Holy Spirit transforms into the divine life whatever is subjected to His power.
1113. Why do the sacraments act ex opere operato? (CCC 1128) The sacraments act ex opere operato (Latin: “out of the work being done”), because they work by the very fact of their being performed.
The sacrament is not wrought by the righteousness of either the celebrant or the recipient, but by Christ’s power alone.
1114. Does the validity of the sacrament depend on the personal holiness of the priest? (CCC 1128) No, the validity of the sacrament does not depend on the personal holiness of the priest, but on his intention to celebrate the sacrament in accordance with the intention of the Church.
1115. Why is the disposition of the one receiving the sacrament important? (CCC 1128) The disposition of the one receiving the sacrament is important, because the fruits of the sacrament depend on it.
The disposition of the one receiving the sacraments does not, however, influence on the validity of the sacrament.
1116. Are the sacraments of the New Covenant necessary for salvation? (CCC 1129) Yes, the sacraments of the New Covenant are necessary for salvation.
1117. What is “sacramental grace”? (CCC 1129) Sacramental grace is the grace proper to each sacrament.
1118. What is the fruit of the sacramental life? (CCC 1129) The fruit of the sacramental life is that the faithful is made a partaker in the divine nature.
“Sacramental life” is the life of a Christian who receives the sacraments regularly and worthily.
1119. Why are the seven sacraments called the sacraments of Eternal Life? (CCC 1130) The seven sacraments are called the sacraments of Eternal Life, because in them the Church even now shares in everlasting life.
1120. How does St Thomas Aquinas sum up the three aspects of a sacrament? (CCC 1130) St Thomas Aquinas († 1274) sums up the three aspects of a sacrament by saying that a sacrament:
1. commemorates Christ’s Passion that precedes it
2. demonstrates the grace that is accomplished in us through the Passion
3. prefigures the future glory, that the Passion pledges to us.
1121. What is a sacrament? (CCC 1131) A sacrament is:
1. an efficacious sign of grace
2. instituted by Jesus Christ
3. entrusted to the Church.
1122. Through what two types of priesthood does the Church celebrate the sacraments? (CCC 1132) The Church celebrates the sacraments through:
1. the baptismal priesthood of all the faithful
2. the priesthood of ordained ministers.
1123. How does the Holy Spirit prepare the faithful for the sacraments? (CCC 1133) The Holy Spirit prepares the faithful for the sacraments:
1. by faith contained in a well-disposed heart
2. by the Word of God.
1124. How is the fruit of sacramental life both personal and ecclesial? (CCC 1134) The fruit of sacramental life is:
1. personal, because it is life for God in Jesus Christ
2. ecclesial, because it is an increase in charity and in the Church’s mission.
1125. What are the two parts in the catechesis of the Liturgy? (CCC 1135) The two parts in the catechesis (exposition) of the Liturgy are:
1. the explanation of the sacramental economy
2. the explanation of the celebration of the seven sacraments.
The sacramental economy is the communication of the fruits of Christ’s death and Resurrection through the sacraments.
1126. Under what four questions is the celebration of the Liturgy explained? (CCC 1135) The celebration of the Liturgy is explained under the following four questions:
1. Who celebrates the Liturgy?
2. How is the Liturgy celebrated?
3. When is the Liturgy celebrated?
4. Where is the Liturgy celebrated?
1127. Who celebrates the heavenly Liturgy? (CCC 1137) The heavenly Liturgy is celebrated by:
1. God Father seated on the throne (Rev 4)
2. Christ the Lamb standing, as though He had been slain (Rev 5)
3. the Holy Spirit, the river of the water of life flowing from the throne and the Lamb (Rev 22).
Rev is the “Revelation of St John”, the last book of the New Testament.
1128. Who are the participants in the heavenly Liturgy according to Rev? (CCC 1138) According to the Revelation of St John (Rev) the participants of the heavenly Liturgy are:
1. the heavenly powers
2. all creation
3. the servants of the Old and New Covenants
4. the new People of God
5. the Mother of God
6. the Bride of the Lamb
7. a great multitude from every nation.
1129. Who is the celebrant of the sacramental Liturgy in the most comprehensive sense? (CCC 1140) The celebrant of the sacramental Liturgy in the most comprehensive sense is the Body of Christ united with its Head.
The sacramental Liturgy touches individual members of the Church in different ways, depending on their orders.
1130. By whom is the liturgical assembly constituted? (CCC 1141) The liturgical assembly is constituted by the baptised, who form a royal priesthood.
1131. What is the liturgical task of the priest? (CCC 1142) The liturgical task of the priest is to act in the person of Christ, the Head, for the service of all the faithful.
1132. What are minor but genuine liturgical functions? (CCC 1143) Minor but genuine liturgical functions are: servers, readers, commentators, members of the choir (etc.).
1133. By what four means is the Liturgy celebrated? (CCC 1145-1162) The Liturgy is celebrated by means of:
1. signs and symbols
2. words and actions
3. singing and music
4. holy images.
1134. Why are signs and symbols important for the Liturgy? (CCC 1146) Signs and symbols are important for the Liturgy, because man expresses, perceives and communicates spiritual realities through physical signs and symbols.
1135. What are the five most important liturgical signs in the Old Testament? (CCC 1150) The five most important liturgical signs in the Old Testament are:
1. the circumcision
2. the anointing of kings and priests
3. the laying on of hands
4. the sacrifices
5. the Passover.
1136. Why are the Old Testament liturgical signs important for the Church? (CCC 1150) The Old Testament liturgical signs are important for the Church, because they prefigure the sacraments of the New Testament.
1137. How did Jesus Christ take up signs during His earthly mission? (CCC 1151) During His earthly mission Jesus Christ took up signs:
1. by using the signs of creation in His preaching
2. by healing and preaching with the help of physical signs or symbolic gestures
3. by giving a new meaning to deeds and signs of the Old Covenant.
1138. What do the sacramental signs fulfil, signify and anticipate? (CCC 1152) The sacramental signs:
1. fulfil the figures of the Old Testament
2. signify the salvation wrought by Christ
3. anticipate the glory of heaven.
1139. Why are the liturgical actions and the Word of God interrelated? (CCC 1153) The liturgical actions and the Word of God are interrelated, because the liturgical actions signify what the Word of God expresses.
1140. What is the Liturgy of the Word? (CCC 1154) The Liturgy of the Word is
1. the reading of the Word of God
2. its proclamation (homily)
3. the responses of the assembly to it.
1141. How does SC 112 qualify the musical tradition of the universal Church? (CCC 1156) Sacrosanctum Concilium 112 qualifies the musical tradition of the universal Church as “a treasure of inestimable value, greater even than that of any other art”.
Sacrosanctum Concilium is a Vatican II document; the Constitution on the Liturgy.
1142. What does St Augustine say about the value of singing in the Liturgy? (CCC 1156) St Augustine († 430) says about the value of singing in the Liturgy: “He who sings prays twice.”
1143. What are the three criteria for the liturgical usage of music? (CCC 1157) The three criteria for the liturgical usage of music are:
1. prayerful beauty
2. participation of the faithful
3. solemn character.
1144. From where should the texts intended to be sung in the Liturgy be drawn? (CCC 1158) The texts intended to be sung in the Liturgy should be drawn chiefly from the Bible and from liturgical sources.
1145. How is it possible to represent God through sacred images? (CCC 1159) It is possible to represent God through sacred images, because in Christ, God has made Himself visible in the flesh.
1146. How does Nicaea II value the theological importance of sacred images? (CCC 1160) Nicaea II (AD 787) values the theological importance of sacred images by considering them a part of the unwritten traditions of the Church that confirms that the Incarnation of the Word of God was real.
1147. How does the beauty of the icons affect men according to St John Damascene? (CCC 1162) According to St John Damascene (around AD 700) the beauty of the icons affects men by moving them to contemplation.
1148. When is the Liturgy celebrated? (CCC 1163-1178) The Liturgy is celebrated according to seasons, days and hours.
1149. What day is reserved for the memory of the Lord’s Resurrection? (CCC 1163) The day reserved for the memory of the Lord’s Resurrection is:
1. every Sunday
2. once a year: Easter.
1150. What is the fourfold meaning of the Sunday? (CCC 1166) The fourfold meaning of the Sunday is:
1. the day of Christ’s Resurrection
2. the first day of the week
3. the memorial of the first day of creation
4. the “eighth day” following Christ’s “rest” on Holy Saturday.
1151. How can the pagan name “Sunday” be understood in a Christian way? (CCC 1166) The pagan name “Sunday” can be understood in a Christian way as the day of the sun who is Christ, the sun of justice.
1152. What is the most important part of the liturgical year? (CCC 1168) The most important part of the liturgical year is the Easter Triduum (Latin for “three days”) that includes Good Friday, Holy Saturday and Easter.
The “liturgical year” is the unfolding of the whole mystery of Christ in the course of twelve months.
1153. What is the “Feast of feasts”? (CCC 1169) The “Feast of feasts” is Easter.
1154. When is Easter celebrated? Who decided this? (CCC 1170) Nicaea I (AD 325) decided that Easter should be celebrated on the Sunday following the first full moon after the vernal equinox.
“Equinox” is the day when day and night are both exactly twelve hours long.
1155. What is the purpose of the liturgical year? (CCC 1171) The purpose of the liturgical year is to unfold the whole mystery of Christ in the course of twelve months.
1156. Why does the Church especially honour Our Lady in the liturgical year? (CCC 1172) The Church especially honours Our Lady in the liturgical year, because:
1. she is inseparably linked with the saving work of her Son
2. she is the most excellent fruit of Redemption
3. she is an image of what the Church herself desires to be.
1157. Why does the Church celebrate the memorials of the saints? (CCC 1173) The Church celebrates the memorials of the saints in order:
1. to proclaim Christ’s death and Resurrection in them
2. to propose them as examples
3. to beg through their merits for God’s favours.
1158. What is the “Divine Office” or “Liturgy of the hours”? (CCC 1174) The “Divine Office” or “Liturgy of the hours” is the public prayer of the Church, devised in such a way that the whole course of the day and night is made holy by it.
1159. What is the main content of the “Divine Office” or “Liturgy of the hours”? (CCC 1177) The main content of the “Divine Office” or “Liturgy of the hours” is:
1. the prayer of the psalms
2. readings from the Scriptures and responses
3. readings from the Fathers and spiritual masters.
The “Fathers” are the holy theologians of the first millennium.
1160. What is “lectio divina”? (CCC 1177) “Lectio divina” is the reading and meditation of the Word of God in a way such that it becomes prayer.
1161. For which devotion does the Divine Office especially call? (CCC 1178) The Divine Office especially calls for the adoration of the Blessed Sacrament.
Adoration is the first attitude of man acknowledging that he is a creature before his Creator.
1162. Where is the Liturgy celebrated? (CCC 1179-1180) The Liturgy is celebrated:
1. in the midst of the faithful, built into a spiritual house
2. in visible churches.
1163. What is a church? (CCC 1181) A church is a house of prayer in which:
1. the Holy Eucharist is celebrated and reserved
2. the faithful assemble
3. the presence of the Son of God is worshipped.
1164. What is the altar? (CCC 1182) The altar is the centre of the church and table of the Lord on which the sacrifice of the Cross is made present under sacramental signs.
1165. What is the tabernacle? (CCC 1183) The tabernacle is the place where the consecrated species of the Body of Christ are kept.
The “consecrated species” are the Blessed Sacrament of the altar, in which Christ is truly, really and substantially present.
1166. Where should the tabernacle be situated? (CCC 1183) The tabernacle should be situated in the most worthy place in the church.
1167. What is the cathedra of the bishop or of the priest? (CCC 1184) The cathedra of the bishop or of the priest is his chair that expresses his office of presiding over the assembly.
1168. What is the ambo? (CCC 1184) The ambo is the lectern from which the liturgy of the Word can be announced.
1169. What is the baptistry? (CCC 1185) The baptistry is the place for the celebration of Baptism.
1170. What is holy water and for what is it used? (CCC 1185) Holy water is water that has been blessed by a priest and is used for various religious purposes such as blessings, dedications, exorcisms and the Asperges at the beginning of Mass.
Holy Water is commonly found in a receptacle called a stoup or a font at the entrance of the church or in private homes so that the faithful may bless themselves with it.
1171. What is the function of the holy water font at the entrance of the church? (CCC 1185) The function of the holy water font at the entrance of the church is:
1. to remind the faithful of their baptismal promises
2. to allow the faithful to bless themselves with holy water as they enter the church.
1172. Why does the church as a building have an eschatological significance? (CCC 1186) The church as a building has an eschatological significance, because:
1. the threshold symbolizes passing from the world of sin to the world of new Life
2. the whole building symbolizes the Father’s house toward which the faithful are journeying.
1173. Whose work is the Liturgy? (CCC 1187) The Liturgy is the work of the whole Christ, Head and Body.
1174. What two types of priesthood are there in the Church? (CCC 1188) In the Church there are:
1. the baptismal priesthood of all the faithful
2. the ministerial priesthood of the ordained ministers.
1175. Whence does the Liturgy take its signs and symbols? (CCC 1189) The Liturgy takes its signs and symbols from:
1. creation
2. human life
3. history of salvation.
1176. Why is the Liturgy of the Word important? (CCC 1190) The Liturgy of the Word is important, because it expresses in words the meaning of the celebration.
1177. What are the three criteria for the use of songs and music in the Liturgy? (CCC 1191) The three criteria for the use of songs and music in the Liturgy are:
1. the beauty expressive of prayer
2. the participation of the faithful
3. the sacred character of the celebration.
1178. What is the aim of sacred images in churches and homes? (CCC 1192) The aim of sacred images in churches and homes is to awake and nourish man’s faith in Christ.
1179. What is the principal day for the celebration of the Holy Eucharist? (CCC 1193) The principal day for the celebration of the Holy Eucharist is Sunday.
1180. What is the liturgical year? (CCC 1194) The liturgical year is the unfolding of the whole mystery of Christ in the course of twelve months.
1181. Why does the Church celebrate the memorials of the saints? (CCC 1195) The Church celebrates the memorials of the saints in order:
1. to proclaim Christ’s death and Resurrection in them
2. to propose them as examples
3. to beg through their merits for God’s favours.
1182. What is the main content of the “Divine Office” or “Liturgy of the hours”? (CCC 1196) The main content of the “Divine Office” or “Liturgy of the hours” is:
1. the prayer of the psalms.
2. readings from the Scriptures and responses
3. readings from the Fathers of the Church and spiritual masters.
1183. Why is Christ the true temple of God? (CCC 1197) Christ is the true temple of God, because He is the place where God’s glory dwells.
1184. What do the churches and holy places symbolize? (CCC 1198) The churches and holy places symbolize the heavenly Jerusalem.
1185. What is a churches? (CCC 1199) A church is a house of prayer in which:
1. the Holy Eucharist is celebrated and reserved
2. the faithful assemble
3. the presence of the Son of God is worshipped.
1186. Why have diverse liturgical rites arisen? (CCC 1202) Diverse liturgical rites have arisen, because Churches of the same geographical and cultural area came to celebrate the Liturgy through particular expressions characterized by the culture.
1187. What are the four main liturgical rites presently in use? (CCC 1203) The four main liturgical rites presently in use are:
1. the Latin
2. the Byzantine
3. the Coptic
4. the Syriac.
1188. How does the Liturgy relate to the culture it finds itself in? (CCC 1207) The Liturgy relates to the culture it finds itself in:
1. by expressing itself in it
2. by generating and shaping the culture.
1189. Why do the diverse liturgical rites manifest the Church’s catholicity? (CCC 1208) The diverse liturgical rites manifest the Church’s catholicity, because they signify and communicate the same Christ.
1190. What is the criterion that assures unity amid the diversity of liturgical rites? (CCC 1209) The criterion that assures unity amid the diversity of liturgical rites is fidelity to the apostolic Tradition.
1191. What are the seven sacraments of the Church? (CCC 1210) The seven sacraments of the Church are: Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist, Penance, Anointing of the Sick, Holy Orders and Matrimony.
Penance is usually called “Confession”.
1192. Into which three groups does the CCC divide the seven sacraments? (CCC 1211) The CCC divides the seven sacraments into:
1. three sacraments of Christian initiation: Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist
2. two sacraments of healing: Penance, Anointing of the Sick
3. two sacraments at the service of communion: Holy Orders, Matrimony.
1193. Why is the Holy Eucharist the “Sacrament of sacraments”? (CCC 1211) The Holy Eucharist is the “Sacrament of sacraments”, because all the other sacraments are ordered to it as to their end.
1194. Why are Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist the sacraments of initiation? (CCC 1212) Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist are sacraments of Christian initiation, because they lay the foundations of every Christian life.
1195. How do the faithful receive divine life through the sacraments of initiation? (CCC 1212) The faithful receive divine life through the sacraments of initiation:
1. through the rebirth in Baptism
2. through the strengthening in Confirmation
3. through the food of eternal life in the Eucharist.
1196. How does the council of Florence call Baptism? (CCC 1213) The council of Florence (AD 1438-45) calls Baptism the “gateway to the spiritual life.”
“Gateway to the spiritual life” is in Latin: vitae spiritualis ianua.
1197. How does the Roman Catechism define Baptism? (CCC 1213) The Roman Catechism defines Baptism as the sacrament of regeneration through water in the word.
The Roman Catechism was issued in 1566 after the Council of Trent (1545-1563).
1198. What is the sacrament of Baptism called in the CCC? (CCC 1214-1216) The sacrament of Baptism is called in the CCC:
1. Baptism
2. renewal by the Holy Spirit
3. enlightenment.
1199. Why is Baptism called “Baptism”? (CCC 1214) Baptism is called “Baptism” after the central rite by which it is carried out and which consists in “immersing” (Greek: baptizein) in the water.
1200. What does immersion in the water during Baptism symbolize? (CCC 1214) Immersion in the water during Baptism symbolizes the catechumen’s burial into Christ’s death, from which he rises up as a new creature.
The “catechumen” is a candidate for Baptism.
1201. Why is Baptism called “renewal by the Holy Spirit”? (CCC 1215) Baptism is called “renewal by the Holy Spirit”, because it brings about rebirth in the Holy Spirit, indispensable for entering the kingdom of God.
1202. Why is Baptism called “enlightenment”? (CCC 1216) Baptism is called “enlightenment”, because in it one receives “the true light that enlightens every man” (Jn 1).
1203. What Father sums up many names for Baptism? Where? (CCC 1216) St Gregory of Nazianzus (before AD 400) sums up many names for Baptism in his Oratio 40 on Baptism.
Such names are: gift, grace, anointing, enlightenment, bath and seal.
1204. What is the first prefiguration of salvation by Baptism in the Bible? (CCC 1219) The first prefiguration of salvation by Baptism in the Bible is Noah’s ark.
1205. How does Noah’s ark prefigure salvation by Baptism? (CCC 1219) Noah’s ark prefigures of salvation by Baptism, because by it a few were saved through water.
1206. How does water symbolize life and death? (CCC 1220) Water symbolizes:
1. life: when springing up from the earth
2. death: when still and inert.
1207. What are the three main ways the OT prefigures salvation by Baptism? (CCC 1219-1222) The three main ways the Old Testament prefigures salvation by Baptism are:
1. Noah’s ark that survives the flood
2. the crossing of the Red Sea by the Israelites during the exodus from Egypt
3. the crossing of the Jordan River by the People of God entering the Holy Land.
1208. When, where and by whom was Christ baptised? (CCC 1223) Christ was baptised before the beginning of His public life in the Jordan by St John the Baptist.
1209. What mission did Christ give to His apostles after the Resurrection? (CCC 1223) After the Resurrection Christ gave to His apostles the mission to make disciples of all nations, baptising and teaching them (Mt 28).
1210. Why did Christ submit Himself to the baptism of St John? (CCC 1224) Christ submitted Himself to the baptism of St John in order to fulfil all righteousness (Mt 3,15).
1211. Wherein does the Passion symbolize Baptism and the Eucharist? (CCC 1225) The Passion symbolizes Baptism and the Eucharist in the blood (symbol of the Eucharist) and water (symbol of Baptism) that flow from the pierced side of the crucified Christ.
1212. Since when has the Church administered holy Baptism? (CCC 1226) The Church has administered holy Baptism from the very day of Pentecost.
1213. Why does Baptism unite us with Christ’s death? (CCC 1227) Baptism unites us with Christ’s death, because through it our old self is buried with Christ in order to be resurrected to the new life.
1214. What are the three effects of Baptism? (CCC 1227) The three effects of Baptism are that it:
1. purifies
2. justifies
3. sanctifies.
1215. What is St Augustine’s great definition of Baptism and of sacraments in general? (CCC 1228) St Augustine’s († 430) great definition of Baptism and of sacraments in general is: “The word is brought to the material element and it becomes a sacrament.”
In Latin: “Accedit verbum ad elementum et fit sacramentum.”
1216. How was the sacrament of Baptism celebrated in the first centuries? (CCC 1230) The sacrament of Baptism was celebrated in the first centuries after a long period of catechumenate, with preparatory rites that culminated in Baptism, Confirmation and the Eucharist.
The “catechumenate” is the time of preparation leading up to Baptism.
1217. What happens to the catechumenate in infant Baptism? (CCC 1231) In infant Baptism the pre-baptismal catechumenate is very abridged and therefore a post-baptismal catechumenate is required.
1218. How is the Christian initiation of adults completed in today’s Church? (CCC 1233) The Christian initiation of adults is completed in today’s Church through:
1. the catechumenate
2. a single celebration of the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and the Holy Eucharist.
1219. How do East and West differ in the initiation of infants? (CCC 1233) East and West differ in the initiation of infants in this way:
1. in the East infant Baptism is followed immediately by Confirmation and Eucharist
2. in the West infant Baptism is followed by Eucharist and Confirmation, only when the child reaches the age of reason.
1220. What is the most immediate way to understand Baptism? (CCC 1234) The most immediate way to understand Baptism is to look at the rites of its celebration.
1221. What does the sign of the cross at the beginning of Baptism do? (CCC 1235) The sign of the cross at the beginning of Baptism:
1. marks the candidate with the imprint of Christ
2. signifies the grace of the Redemption.
1222. Why is there a reading during Baptism? (CCC 1236) There is a reading during Baptism in order to elicit the response of faith, which is inseparable from Baptism.
1223. Why does Baptism contain exorcisms? (CCC 1237) Baptism contains exorcisms, because it signifies liberation from the Devil and from sin.
1224. What is the pre-baptismal anointing? (CCC 1237) The pre-baptismal anointing is an anointing with the oil of catechumens and a preparation for the reception of faith in Baptism.
The oil of catechumens is an ointment for those preparing for baptism. The bishop blesses it during the Mass of Chrism.
1225. When is the baptismal water consecrated? (CCC 1238) The baptismal water is consecrated either during Baptism or at the Easter Vigil.
1226. What is the essential rite of Baptism? (CCC 1239) The essential rite of Baptism is the triple immersion of the candidate in the baptismal water, or the pouring of water three times over the candidate’s head, accompanied by the baptismal formula.
1227. What is the baptismal formula in the Latin Church? (CCC 1240) The baptismal formula in the Latin Church is: N., I baptise you in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
“N.” stands for the baptismal name of the candidate.
1228. What is the baptismal formula in the Eastern Church? (CCC 1240) The baptismal formula in the Eastern Church is: “The servant of God, N., is baptised in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.”
“N.” stands for the baptismal name of the candidate.
1229. What is the post-baptismal anointing in the West? (CCC 1241) The post-baptismal anointing in the West is an anointing with sacred chrism (perfumed oil) signifying the incorporation of the newly-baptised into Christ priest, prophet and king.
1230. What is the post-baptismal anointing in the East? (CCC 1242) The post-baptismal anointing in the East is the sacrament of Chrismation (Confirmation).
1231. What does the white baptismal garment mean? (CCC 1243) The white baptismal garment means that the person baptised has put on Christ.
1232. What does the baptismal candle mean? (CCC 1243) The baptismal candle means that the person baptised has been enlightened by Christ.
1233. How is Holy Communion connected to the rite of infant Baptism? (CCC 1244) Holy Communion is connected to the rite of infant Baptism:
1. in the East: by giving Holy Communion to the newly baptised
2. in the West: by having the child brought to the altar when the Our Father is prayed.
1234. How is Baptism concluded? (CCC 1245) Baptism is concluded by:
1. a solemn blessing
2. the blessing of the mother.
1235. Who can receive Baptism? (CCC 1246) Every person not yet baptised can receive Baptism.
1236. What is the catechumenate? (CCC 1248) The catechumenate is the preparation for Baptism that aims at introducing the candidates into the knowledge of the Liturgy and Faith and the practice of a virtuous life.
1237. Why do little children have need of Baptism? (CCC 1250) Little children have need of Baptism, because they are:
1. born with a fallen human nature
2. tainted by original sin.
1238. Where does the New Testament imply the baptism of infants? (CCC 1252) The New Testament implies the baptism of infants when it reports that whole households received baptism (e.g. Acts 16).
1239. What is the task of godfather and godmother? (CCC 1255) The task of godfather and godmother is to help the newly-baptised to grow in faith on the road of Christian life.
1240. Who can baptise as ordinary minister of Baptism? (CCC 1256) The bishop and priest can baptise as ordinary ministers of Baptism.
In the Latin Church the deacon is also considered to be an ordinary minister of Baptism.
1241. Who can baptise in case of necessity? (CCC 1256) In case of necessity anyone with the required intention, even a non-baptised person, can baptise by using water and the Trinitarian baptismal formula.
The “required intention” is to will to do what the Church does when she baptises.
1242. Who is the most important witness for the necessity of Baptism for salvation? (CCC 1257) The most important witness for the necessity of Baptism for salvation is Jesus Christ Himself.
Jn 3:5: “Unless somebody is born out of water and Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.”
1243. In what sense is Baptism not absolutely necessary for salvation? (CCC 1257) Baptism is not absolutely necessary for salvation in the sense that God Himself is not bound by His sacraments, although He has bound us to them.
Therefore: Baptism is absolutely necessary for man but not absolutely necessary for God.
1244. What are the three types of Baptism? (CCC 1258) The three types of Baptism are:
1. the Baptism of water
2. the Baptism of blood
3. the Baptism of desire.
1245. What is the Baptism of blood? (CCC 1258) The Baptism of blood is a non-sacramental form of Baptism in the case of an un-baptised who suffers death for the sake of the Faith and thus is baptised by his death for and with Christ.
1246. What is the Baptism of desire? (CCC 1259-1260) The Baptism of desire is a non-sacramental form of Baptism that concerns those who die before they can receive Baptism and who may reach salvation through:
1. an explicite or implicte desire to receive Baptism
2. repentance for their sins
3. charity.
1247. What is with the salvation of catechumens who die before receiving Baptism? (CCC 1259) Catechumens who die before receiving Baptism are assured salvation by their explicit desire to receive the sacrament, together with repentance for their sins and charity.
A “catechumen” is a candidate for Baptism.
1248. Can a man ignorant of Christ be saved? (CCC 1260) A man ignorant of Christ but (1) seeking the truth and (2) doing God’s will in accordance with his understanding of it, can be saved.
This teaching is based on a supposition not on an explicite doctrine.
1249. Why is the Church very concerned about little children dying without Baptism? (CCC 1261) The Church is very concerned about little children dying without Baptism, because they cannot desire Baptism and thus the Church can only entrust them to the mercy of God.
“Baptism of desire” supposes reason and will, which are not yet operative in little children.
1250. What are the two principal effects of the grace of Baptism? (CCC 1262) The two principal effects of the grace of Baptism are:
1. purification from sin
2. new birth in the Holy Spirit.
1251. What does Baptism forgive? (CCC 1263) Baptism forgives:
1. original sin
2. personal sin
3. all punishment for sin.
1252. What temporal consequences of original sin remain after Baptism? (CCC 1264) The temporal consequences of original sin remaining after Baptism are:
1. the two wounds of the body (suffering, death)
2. the four wounds of the soul (concupiscence, weakness, ignorance, malice).
1253. What is concupiscence? (CCC 1264) Concupiscence is an inclination to sin.
Concupiscence is also called “the tinder for sin” (Latin: fomes peccati).
1254. What grace is conferred by Baptism? (CCC 1265) The grace conferred by Baptism is sanctifying grace.
Sanctifying grace is the gift of His life that God, by the Holy Spirit, infuses into the soul to heal and sanctify it.
1255. What three realities are conferred in Baptism together with sanctifying grace? (CCC 1266) The three realities conferred in Baptism together with sanctifying grace are:
1. the theological virtues
2. the gifts of the Holy Spirit
3. a growth in goodness through the moral virtues.
1256. Into what does Baptism incorporate the baptised? (CCC 1267) Baptism incorporates the baptised into the Church.
1257. How does 1 Pet 2 express the incorporation of the baptised into the Church? (CCC 1268) 1 Pet 2 expresses the incorporation of the baptised into the Church by saying that they have become “living stones” to be “built into a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood”.
1258. What are the rights of the baptised? (CCC 1269) The rights of the baptised are:
1. to receive the sacraments
2. to be nourished with the Word of God
3. to be sustained by the other spiritual helps of the Church.
1259. What are the duties of the baptised? (CCC 1269-1270) The duties of the baptised are:
1. to obey and submit to the clergy
2. to profess the Faith before the world.
1260. How does Baptism constitute a sacramental bond with non-Catholics? (CCC 1271) Baptism constitutes a sacramental bond with non-Catholics by putting those baptised outside the Church in a certain, though imperfect, communion with her.
1261. How does Baptism irriversibly incorporate into Christ? (CCC 1272) Baptism irriversibly incorporates into Christ by sealing the baptised with an indelible spiritual mark (character) of his belonging to Christ.
1262. Can the spiritual mark of Baptism ever be erased? (CCC 1272) No, the spiritual mark of Baptism cannot be erased forever.
1263. What is the function of the indelible spiritual mark conferred by Baptism? (CCC 1273) The function of the indelible spiritual mark conferred by Baptism is to consecrate the baptised:
1. to participate in the Divine worship
2. to exercise his baptismal priesthood in life.
1264. Why is the indelible spiritual mark of Baptism also called “seal of the Lord”? (CCC 1274) The indelible spiritual mark of Baptism is also called “seal of the Lord” (Latin: Dominicus character), in order to refer to the day of redemption when the Lord comes.
1265. By which three sacraments is Christian initiation accomplished? (CCC 1275) Christian initiation is accomplished by the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist.
1266. What is the New Testament locus classicus for the Church’s obligation to baptise? (CCC 1276) The New Testament locus classicus for the Church’s obligation to baptise is Mt 28.
1267. Is Baptism necessary for salvation? (CCC 1277) Yes, Baptism is necessary for salvation.
1268. In what does the essential rite of Baptism consist? (CCC 1278) The essential rite of Baptism consists in immersing the candidate in water or pouring water on his head while pronouncing the invocation of the Holy Trinity.
1269. What are the two main fruits of Baptism? (CCC 1279) The two main fruits of Baptism are:
1. forgiveness of all sins
2. birth into supernatural life.
1270. What does Baptism imprint on the soul? (CCC 1280) Baptism imprints on the soul an indelible character (mark), which consecrates the faithful:
1. to participate in the Liturgy
2. to exercise his baptismal priesthood in life.
1271. Under which circumstances can a non-baptised possibly be saved? (CCC 1281) A non-baptised can possibly be saved:
1. if he dies for the Faith
2. or, if he dies while desiring baptism
3. or, if he sought God sincerely without knowing Christ and the Church.
1272. Why can Baptism be administered to little children? (CCC 1282) Baptism can be administered to little children, because it is a grace and a gift of God that does not presuppose any human merit.
1273. What does the Church say regarding little children who die unbaptised? (CCC 1283) Regarding little children who die unbaptised, the Church invites the faithful:
1. to trust in God’s mercy
2. to pray for their salvation.
1274. Under what condition can any person baptise in case of necessity? (CCC 1284) In case of necessity any person can baptise under the condition that:
1. he has the intention of doing what the Church does
2. he pours water on the candidate’s head
3. he says: I baptise you in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
1275. Why is Confirmation necessary after Baptism? (CCC 1285) Confirmation is necessary after Baptism for the completion of baptismal grace.
1276. What is the NT locus classicus for Confirmation in the economy of salvation? (CCC 1287) The New Testament locus classicus for Confirmation in the economy of salvation is Acts 2 (Pentecost).
1277. In what terms does the Letter to the Hebrews speak about Confirmation? (CCC 1288) The Letter to the Hebrews speaks about Confirmation in terms of the “laying-on of hands” (Hebr 6).
1278. What sign is very early added to the laying-on of hands in Confirmation? (CCC 1289) The sign that in Confirmation is added very early to the laying-on of hands is the anointing with sacred chrism (perfumed oil).
1279. Why does Confirmation elucidate the name “Christian”? (CCC 1289) Confirmation elucidates the name “Christian” because Confirmation is an anointing and “Christian” means “anointed” deriving from the name of Christ, whom God anointed with the Holy Spirit.
1280. How do the Eastern Churches call Confirmation and its anointing? (CCC 1289) The Eastern Churches call Confirmation and its anointing “Chrismation” and “myron”.
1281. What two things does the name “Confirmation” suggest? (CCC 1289) The name “Confirmation” suggests that:
1. this sacrament confirms Baptism
2. it strengthens baptismal grace.
1282. How was Confirmation administered in the first centuries? (CCC 1290) Confirmation was administered in the first centuries as a single celebration with Baptism.
1283. Why did the Latin Church separate Confirmation from Baptism? (CCC 1290) The Latin Church separated Confirmation from Baptism in order to reserve the completion of Baptism to the bishop who was increasingly unable to be present at all baptismal celebrations.
1284. How is Confirmation administered in the Eastern Churches? (CCC 1290) In the Eastern Churches Confirmation is administered by the priest right after Baptism.
1285. What was the “double anointing” in the Latin Church? (CCC 1291) The “double anointing” in the Latin Church was administered right after Baptism:
1. the first by the priest (part of Baptism)
2. the second by the bishop (Confirmation).
1286. What aspects does the practice of Confirmation in East and West express? (CCC 1292) The practice of Confirmation in East and West expresses the following aspects:
1. The Eastern Churches stress the unity of Christian initiation.
2. The Latin Church stresses the communion of the baptised with the bishop.
1287. What is the sign of Confirmation? (CCC 1293) The sign of Confirmation is the anointing with sacred chrism (perfumed oil).
1288. What does the sign of Confirmation signify? (CCC 1293) The sign of Confirmation signifies a spiritual seal.
This “seal” is a configuration of the Christian with Christ.
1289. What general fourfold symbolism is attached to anointing? (CCC 1293) The general fourfold symbolism attached to anointing is:
1. abundance
2. cleansing and limbering
3. healing
4. making radiant.
1290. What specific symbolism is attached to anointing with oil in the sacramental life? (CCC 1294) The specific symbolism attached to anointing with oil in the sacramental life is:
1. the pre-baptismal anointing signifies cleansing and strengthening
2. the anointing of the sick expresses healing and comfort
3. the post-baptismal anointing in Confirmation and ordination signifies consecration.
1291. What does the seal imprinted by Confirmation signify? (CCC 1296) The seal imprinted by Confirmation signifies:
1. the total belonging to Christ
2. the enrolment in Christ’s service
3. the promise of divine protection in the Last Judgment.
1292. What important action of the bishop precedes Confirmation? (CCC 1297) The important action of the bishop that precedes Confirmation is the consecration of the sacred chrism (perfumed oil) in the course of the Chrism Mass of Holy Thursday.
1293. How does Confirmation begin when separated from Baptism? (CCC 1298-1299) When separated from Baptism, Confirmation begins with:
1. the renewal of baptismal promises
2. the profession of Faith
3. the bishop invoking the outpouring of the Holy Spirit.
1294. What are the three parts of the essential rite of Confirmation in the West? (CCC 1300) The three parts of the essential rite of Confirmation in the West are: (1) the anointing with chrism on the forehead through (2) the laying on of the hand and (3) the words: “Be sealed with the Gift of the Holy Spirit.”
1295. What are the three parts of the essential rite of Confirmation in the East? (CCC 1300) The three parts of the essential rite of Confirmation in the East are: (1) the epiclesis, (2) the anointing of the more significant parts of the body, each accompanied by (3) the formula: “The seal of the gift of the Holy Spirit.”
1296. How is the rite of Confirmation concluded? (CCC 1301) The rite of Confirmation is concluded by the sign of peace.
1297. Which is the most important of the effects of Confirmation? (CCC 1302) The most important of the effects of Confirmation is the special outpouring of the Holy Spirit like at Pentecost.
1298. In which five ways does Confirmation perfect baptismal grace? (CCC 1303) Confirmation perfects baptismal grace:
1. by rooting us more deeply in the divine filiation
2. by incorporating us more firmly into Christ
3. by increasing the gifts of the Holy Spirit in us
4. by strengthening our bond with the Church
5. by strengthening our Christian witness.
These five points refer to: God, Christ, the Holy Spirit, the Church and the world.
1299. Why is Confirmation given only once? (CCC 1304) Confirmation is given only once, because it imprints on the soul an indelible spiritual character.
This “seal” is a configuration of the Christian with Christ.
1300. Who can receive the sacrament of Confirmation? (CCC 1306) Every baptised person not yet confirmed can and should receive the sacrament of Confirmation.
1301. What is the age for receiving Confirmation in the West? (CCC 1307-1308) The age for receiving Confirmation in the West is the age of reason.
Notice that age of body does not determine age of soul.
1302. At what does preparation for Confirmation aim? (CCC 1309) Preparation for Confirmation aims at:
1. leading the Christian toward a deeper union with Christ and with the Holy Spirit
2. awakening in the Christian a sense of belonging to the Church.
1303. What sacrament should precede Confirmation and why? (CCC 1310) The sacrament of Penance should precede Confirmation to ensure that the recipient is in the state of grace.
1304. What is the task of the sponsor at Confirmation? (CCC 1311) The task of the sponsor at Confirmation is to be a spiritual help.
1305. Who is the original minister of Confirmation? (CCC 1312) The original minister of Confirmation is the bishop.
1306. Who is the ordinary minister of Confirmation in the Eastern Churches? (CCC 1312) The ordinary minister of Confirmation in the Eastern Churches is the priest who baptises and immediately after Baptism confers Confirmation in one and the same celebration.
1307. When does the priest function as minister of Confirmation in the Latin Church? (CCC 1312) The priest functions as minister of Confirmation in the Latin Church:
1. at the baptisms of adults
2. at conversions.
1308. Who is the ordinary minister of Confirmation in the Latin Church? (CCC 1313) The ordinary minister of Confirmation in the Latin Church is the bishop.
1309. Why is it fitting that in the Latin rite the bishop confer Confirmation? (CCC 1313) It is fitting that in the Latin rite the bishop confer Confirmation, because:
1. Confirmation has been temporally separated from Baptism for this reason
2. the bishop’s presence expresses the aim of Confirmation to bring those confirmed more closely to the Church.
1310. What New Testament passage shows that Baptism and Confirmation can be separated? (CCC 1315) Acts 8, giving the example of the Christians in Samaria, shows that Baptism and Confirmation can be separated.
1311. In which five ways does Confirmation perfect baptismal grace? (CCC 1316) Confirmation perfects baptismal grace:
1. by rooting us more deeply in the divine filiation
2. by incorporating us more firmly into Christ
3. by increasing the gifts of the Holy Spirit in us
4. by strengthening our bond with the Church
5. by strengthening our Christian witness.
1312. Why can one receive Confirmation only once? (CCC 1317) One can receive Confirmation only once, because it imprints an indelible character on the Christian’s soul.
1313. When is Confirmation administered? (CCC 1318) Confirmation is administered:
1. in the East: immediately after Baptism
2. in the West: when the age of reason has been reached.
1314. What are the five conditions for receiving Confirmation in the West? (CCC 1319) The five conditions for receiving Confirmation in the West are:
1. age of reason
2. professing the Faith
3. being in the state of grace
4. having the intention to receive Confirmation
5. being ready to be a witness of Christ.
1315. What is the essential rite of Confirmation? (CCC 1320) The essential rite of Confirmation is (1) the anointing with sacred chrism, together with (2) the laying on of the celebrant’s hand and (3) the explicative words.
1316. How is the connection between Confirmation and Baptism expressed where they are separated? (CCC 1321) Where they are separated, the connection between Confirmation and Baptism is expressed by the renewal of the baptismal promises.
1317. When did Christ institute the Eucharist? (CCC 1323) Christ instituted the Eucharist at the Last Supper.
1318. Who says that the Eucharist is source and summit of the Christian life? (CCC 1324) Lumen Gentium 11 says that the Eucharist is source and summit of the Christian life.
Lumen Gentium is a Vatican II document, the Apostolic Constitution on the Church.
1319. Why is the Eucharist the centre of the other sacraments? (CCC 1324) The Eucharist is the centre of the other sacraments, because it contains the whole spiritual good of the Church: Christ Himself.
1320. What is the Eucharist? (CCC 1325) The Eucharist is the efficacious sign and sublime cause of that communion in the divine life and that unity of the People of God by which the Church is kept in being.
1321. How does St Irenaeus connect the Eucharist to the Christian way of thinking? (CCC 1327) St Irenaeus († 200) connects the Eucharist to our Christian way of thinking by saying that:
1. our way of thinking is attuned to the Eucharist
2. the Eucharist in turn confirms our way of thinking.
St Irenaeus of Lyons (France) is one of the early Church Fathers.
1322. What is the sacrament of the Eucharist called in the CCC? (CCC 1328-1332) In the CCC the sacrament of the Eucharist is called by sixteen names: Eucharist, Lord’s Supper, Breaking of Bread, Synaxis, Memorial, Holy Sacrifice, Divine Liturgy, Sacred Mysteries, Blessed Sacrament, Holy Communion, Holy Things, Bread of angels, Bread from heaven, Medicine of immortality, Viaticum, Holy Mass.
1323. Why does the sacrament of the Eucharist have so many names? (CCC 1328) The sacrament of the Eucharist has so many names because of its inexhaustible richness.
1324. Why is the Eucharist called Eucharist? (CCC 1328) The Eucharist is called Eucharist because it is an action of thanksgiving to God.
The Greek word “eucharistein” means “to give thanks”.
1325. Why is the Eucharist called the Lord’s Supper? (CCC 1329) The Eucharist is called the Lord’s Supper, because it was instituted at the Last Supper, which Christ took with His disciples on the eve of His Passion.
1326. Why is the Eucharist called the Breaking of Bread? (CCC 1329) The Eucharist is called the Breaking of Bread, because Christ used the rite of breaking bread, part of the Jewish Passover meal (Ex 12), in order to express that all who eat the One Broken Bread, enter into communion with Christ.
Among the first Christians in Jerusalem the Eucharist was called the Breaking of Bread.
1327. Why is the Eucharist called Synaxis? (CCC 1329) The Eucharist is called Synaxis (Greek: assembly), because it is celebrated amid the assembly of the faithful.
1328. Why is the Eucharist called Holy Sacrifice? (CCC 1330) The Eucharist is called Holy Sacrifice, because it makes present the one sacrifice of Christ and includes the Church’s offering.
1329. Why is the Eucharist called Holy Communion? (CCC 1331) The Eucharist is called Holy Communion, because by it we unite ourselves with Christ.
1330. Why is the Eucharist called Holy Mass? (CCC 1332) The Eucharist is called Holy Mass (Latin: Missa), because it concludes with the sending forth (Latin: missio) of the faithful.
1331. What is the OT locus classicus for the Eucharist in the economy of salvation? (CCC 1333) The Old Testament locus classicus for the Eucharist in the economy of salvation is Gen 14 that mentions the king-priest Melchizedek, who “brought out bread and wine”.
1332. What significance do bread and wine receive in the Exodus? (CCC 1334) In the Exodus bread and wine receive the following significance:
1. the bread remembers the hasty liberation of Israel from Egypt and the manna in the desert
2. the wine adds joy and an eschatological dimension.
1333. Which miracles of Christ prefigure the superabundance of the Eucharist? (CCC 1335) Christ’s miracles of the multiplication of the loaves prefigure the superabundance of the Eucharist.
1334. How did the first announcement of the Eucharist affect the disciples? (CCC 1336) The first announcement of the Eucharist divided the disciples (Jn 6).
1335. Why did Christ institute the Eucharist? (CCC 1337) Christ instituted the Eucharist in order:
1. to leave to the Church a pledge of His love
2. never to depart from His own
3. to make the Church share in His Passover.
1336. Where in the NT is an account of the institution of the Eucharist found? (CCC 1338) An account of the institution of the Eucharist is found in the New Testament:
1. in the synoptic Gospels (Mt, Mk, Lk)
2. in St Paul (1 Cor).
1337. In what context did Christ give His Body and Blood to His disciples? (CCC 1339) Christ gave His Body and Blood to His disciples in the context of a Passover meal when He celebrated with His disciples the Last Supper.
1338. How did Christ give to the Passover meal its definitive meaning? (CCC 1340) Christ gave to the Passover meal its definitive meaning by explaining it as His “passing over” to the Father by His death and Resurrection.
1339. What does Christ’s word “Do this in memory of me” command? (CCC 1341) Christ’s word “Do this in memory of me” commands not only the remembering of Christ but also the liturgical celebration of the Eucharist (“do this”).
1340. How was the Eucharist called among the first Christians in Jerusalem? (CCC 1342) Among the first Christians in Jerusalem the Eucharist was called the Breaking of Bread.
1341. When above all is the Eucharist celebrated? (CCC 1343) The Eucharist is celebrated above all on Sundays.
1342. Where is the oldest witness for the liturgical celebration of the Eucharist found? (CCC 1345) The oldest witness for the liturgical celebration of the Eucharist is found in the writings of St Justin Martyr.
St Justin Martyr (around AD 150) is the first of the seven Early Church Fathers.
1343. What eight parts of the Mass does St Justin Martyr list? (CCC 1345) St Justin Martyr lists the following eight parts of the Mass: (1) readings, (2) homily, (3) general intercessions, (4) kiss of peace, (5) offertory, (6) Eucharistic prayer, (7) final Amen, (8) distribution of Holy Communion.
1344. What are the two great parts of the Eucharist? (CCC 1346) The two great parts of the Eucharist are:
1. the Liturgy of the Word
2. the Liturgy of the Eucharist.
1345. Who is the one who invisibly celebrates every Eucharist? (CCC 1348) Christ is the one who invisibly celebrates every Eucharist.
1346. Why does the priest represent Christ in the celebration of the Eucharist? (CCC 1348) The priest represents Christ in the celebration of the Eucharist, because in it he acts “in the person of Christ the Head” (Latin: in persona Christi capitis).
1347. What are the parts of the Liturgy of the Word? (CCC 1349) The parts of the Liturgy of the Word are:
1. the readings from the Bible
2. the homily
3. the general intercessions.
1348. What is the Offertory? (CCC 1350) The Offertory is the presentation of the offerings when bread and wine are brought to the altar.
1349. What is brought to the altar together with bread and wine? (CCC 1351) The collection containing gifts to share with the needy is brought to the altar together with bread and wine.
1350. What is the anaphora? (CCC 1352) The anaphora is the Eucharistic Prayer, which contains the words of Consecration, the heart and summit of the Eucharist.
1351. What is the preface? (CCC 1352) The preface is the thanksgiving to the Father that immediately precedes the anaphora.
1352. What is the epiclesis? (CCC 1353) The epiclesis is the moment when the priest calls the Holy Spirit upon the Eucharistic gifts.
1353. What is the institution narrative? (CCC 1353) The institution narrative is the words of Consecration that make Christ’s Body and Blood sacramentally present under the species of bread and wine.
1354. What is the anamnesis in Mass after the words of Consecration? (CCC 1354) The anamnesis (Greek: remembrance) after the words of Consecration is the part of Mass when the Church remembers Christ’s glorious deeds and presents the sacrifice of His Son to the Father.
1355. What is the function of the intercessions in the Eucharistic prayer? (CCC 1354) The function of the intercessions in the Eucharistic prayer is to indicate that Holy Mass is celebrated in communion with the whole Church (living, dead, clergy, lay people).
1356. What three conditions for taking part in the Eucharist does St Justin list? (CCC 1355) St Justin (around AD 150) lists the following three conditions for taking part in the Eucharist:
1. to believe
2. to be baptised
3. to live in keeping with Christ’s teaching.
1357. In what respect is the Eucharistic Sacrifice thanksgiving, memorial, presence? (CCC 1358) The Eucharistic Sacrifice is:
1. Christ’s thanksgiving through Christ to the Father
2. the sacrificial memorial of Christ
3. Presence of Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit.
1358. For what does the Church thank the Father in the Eucharist? (CCC 1360) In the Eucharist the Church thanks the Father for:
1. the creation
2. the redemption
3. the sanctification.
1359. Why is the Eucharist a sacrificial memorial in respect to Christ? (CCC 1362) The Eucharist is a sacrificial memorial in respect to Christ, because it is the making present and the sacramental offering of His unique sacrifice on the cross.
1360. What is a memorial in the sense of Sacred Scripture? (CCC 1363) In the sense of Sacred Scripture a memorial is not merely the recollection of past events but the proclamation of the mighty works wrought by God for men.
In the liturgical celebration of these events, they become in a certain way present and real.
1361. What is the new meaning of “memorial” in the New Testament? (CCC 1364) The new meaning of “memorial” in the New Testament is:
1. a commemoration of Christ’s Passover
2. its making present.
1362. How do the words of Consecration make plain that the Eucharist is a sacrifice? (CCC 1365) The words of Consecration make plain that the Eucharist is a sacrifice by saying: “This is my body which is given up for you” and “This cup which is poured out for you.”
1363. Why is the Eucharist a sacrifice? (CCC 1366) The Eucharist is a sacrifice, because:
1. it makes present the sacrifice of the cross
2. it is its memorial until the end of the world
3. it applies its fruits for the forgiveness of sins.
1364. Why are the sacrifice of the cross and of the Eucharist one single sacrifice? (CCC 1367) The sacrifice of the cross and of the Eucharist are one single sacrifice, because:
1. the victim is one and the same
2. the same Christ now offers through the priests who then offered Himself on the cross.
The manner of offering the sacrifice is different: in a bloody manner on the cross, in an unbloody manner on the altar.
1365. Why is the Eucharist also the sacrifice of the Church? (CCC 1368) The Eucharist is also the sacrifice of the Church, because in it the sacrifice of Christ becomes also the sacrifice of the members of His Body, the Church.
1366. Why is the pope named in every celebration of the Eucharist? (CCC 1369) The pope is named in every celebration of the Eucharist, because he holds the ministry of Peter in the Church.
The “ministry of Peter” is expressed in Mt 16:18: “You are Peter and on this rock I will build my Church.”
1367. Why is the local bishop named in every celebration of the Eucharist? (CCC 1369) The local bishop is named in every celebration of the Eucharist to signify his presidency over the diocese.
1368. Who, apart from the faithful still on earth, are united in the Eucharist? (CCC 1370) Apart from the faithful still on earth, those already in the glory of heaven (= the saints) are united in the Eucharist.
1369. Why is the Eucharist offered for the faithful departed who still are in Purgatory? (CCC 1371) The Eucharist is offered for the faithful departed who still are in Purgatory so that they may enter into the light and peace of Christ.
1370. In what five ways is Christ present in His Church? (CCC 1373) Christ is present in His Church:
1. in His word
2. in His Church’s prayer
3. in the poor, the sick and the imprisoned
4. in the sacraments
5. most especially in the Eucharistic species.
1371. Why is Christ present most especially in the Eucharistic species? (CCC 1373-1374) Christ is present most especially in the Eucharistic species, because in them Christ’s Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity and, thus, the whole Christ is truly, really and substantially contained therein.
1372. Why is Christ’s presence in the Eucharist called ‘real’? (CCC 1374) Christ’s presence in the Eucharist is called ‘real’, because it is presence in the fullest sense, i.e. a substantial presence, by which Christ, God and man, makes Himself wholly and entirely present.
1373. How does Christ become present in the Eucharist? (CCC 1375) Christ becomes present in the Eucharist by the conversion of the bread and wine into His Body and Blood.
1374. How does the conversion of bread and wine into Christ’s Body and Blood take place? (CCC 1376) The conversion of bread and wine into Christ’s Body and Blood takes place by a change of the whole substance of the bread into the substance of the Body of Christ and of the whole substance of the wine into the substance of His Blood.
1375. How is the conversion of bread and wine into Christ’s Body and Blood called? (CCC 1376) The conversion of bread and wine into Christ’s Body and Blood is called transubstantiation.
The term “transubstantiation” has been defined as belonging to the Faith by Lateran IV (AD 1215) and Trent (AD 1545-63).
1376. From when to when does Christ’s presence in the Eucharistic species last? (CCC 1377) Christ’s presence in the Eucharistic species lasts from the moment of the consecration until the Eucharistic species cease to subsist.
1377. Why does the breaking of the consecrated host not divide Christ? (CCC 1377) The breaking of the consecrated host does not divide Christ, because He is present whole and entire in each of the parts.
1378. What kind of cult does the Church offer to the Holy Eucharist? (CCC 1378) The Church offers to the Holy Eucharist the cult of adoration that expresses itself, among other ways, by genuflecting or bowing deeply.
1379. Why did silent adoration of the Eucharistic species appear in the Church? (CCC 1379) Silent adoration of the Eucharistic species appeared in the Church because of a deepened faith in Christ’s real presence in the Eucharist.
Adoration is the first attitude of man acknowledging that he is a creature before his Creator.
1380. Why did Christ choose to remain present to His Church in the Eucharist? (CCC 1380) Christ chose to remain present to His Church in the Eucharist, in order:
1. to grant to the Church His sacramental presence as He was about to depart from His own
2. to give to the Church the memorial of the love with which He loved us to the giving of His life.
1381. How only can the faithful grasp Christ’s real presence in the Eucharist? (CCC 1381) The faithful can grasp Christ’s real presence in the Eucharist only by faith, which relies on divine authority.
1382. Why is Mass called the paschal banquet? (CCC 1382) Mass is called the paschal banquet because through receiving Christ on their tongue through Holy Communion the faithful are intimately united with Him.
1383. How does the altar represent the two aspects of the same Eucharistic mystery? (CCC 1383) The altar represents the two aspects of the same Eucharistic mystery by being:
1. the altar of the sacrifice
2. the table of the Lord.
1384. What is the NT locus classicus for the necessity of receiving the Holy Eucharist? (CCC 1384) The New Testament locus classicus for the necessity of receiving the Holy Eucharist is Jn 6: “Unless you eat the Flesh of the Son of man and drink His Blood, you have no life in you.”
1385. Why is preparation for receiving the Eucharist needed? (CCC 1385) Preparation for receiving the Eucharist is needed, because anyone who eats and drinks without discerning Christ’s Body eats and drinks judgment upon himself (1 Cor 11).
1386. Who must go to Confession before receiving Holy Communion? (CCC 1385) Anyone conscious of a grave sin must go to Confession before receiving Holy Communion.
1387. What is the Eucharistic fast? (CCC 1387) The Eucharistic fast is a time of abstinence from any food that must precede the reception of Holy Communion.
1388. Under which condition may the faithful receive Holy Communion at Mass? (CCC 1388) The faithful may receive Holy Communion at Mass under the condition that they have the required dispositions.
1389. How often must the faithful receive the Eucharist? (CCC 1389) The faithful must receive the Eucharist at least once a year after having gone to Confession.
The Church, however, strongly encourages the faithful to receive the Holy Eucharist daily.
1390. Why is it enough to receive Christ under the species of bread alone? (CCC 1390) It is enough to receive Christ under the species of bread alone, because He is sacramentally present under each of the species.
1391. What are the fruits of Holy Communion? (CCC 1391-1401) The fruits of Holy Communion are:
1. an increase of union with Christ
2. separation from sin
3. forgiveness of venial sins
4. preservation from future sins
5. the strengthening of the Church
6. commitment to the poor
7. helping the unity of the Church.
1392. What does Holy Communion do for the life of grace received at Baptism? (CCC 1392) Holy Communion (1) preserves, (2) increases and (3) renews the life of grace received in Baptism.
1393. Why is a certain Eucharistic communion with the separated East possible? (CCC 1399) A certain Eucharistic communion with the separated East is possible, because the Churches of the East possess true sacraments, above all a true priesthood and a true Eucharist.
1394. Why is Eucharistic intercommunion with the Protestants not possible? (CCC 1400) Eucharistic intercommunion with the Protestants is not possible, because they have not preserved the sacrament of Holy Orders and therefore lack the reality of the sacrament of the Eucharist.
1395. Under which condition may the sacraments be given to a separated Christian? (CCC 1401) The sacraments (Eucharist, Penance, Anointing of the Sick) may be given to a separated Christian in case of grave necessity if:
1. he asks for them of his own will
2. he gives evidence of holding the Catholic faith regarding these sacraments
3. he possesses the required dispositions.
It is up to the local bishop to determine whether a grave necessity is present or not.
1396. Why is the Eucharist a “pledge of the glory to come”? (CCC 1402) The Eucharist is a “pledge of the glory to come”, because it anticipates the heavenly glory.
1397. Why does the Eucharist anticipate the heavenly glory? (CCC 1402) The Eucharist anticipates the heavenly glory, because by our communion at the altar we are filled with every heavenly grace and blessing.
1398. What words of Christ refer clearly to the eschatological dimension of the Eucharist? (CCC 1403) Christ’s words “I shall not drink again of this fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom (Mt 26)” refer clearly to the eschatological dimension of the Eucharist.
“Eschatological” means referring to the Last Things (Judgment, Heaven, Hell, Purgatory).
1399. Why is the Eucharist the surest pledge for the life to come? (CCC 1405) The Eucharist is the surest pledge for the life to come, because it is:
1. the medicine of immortality
2. the antidote for death
3. the food that makes us live forever with Christ.
1400. What will he gain who eats Christ’s Flesh and drinks His Blood worthily? (CCC 1406) He who eats Christ’s Flesh and drinks His Blood worthily will gain eternal life.
1401. Why is the Eucharist the heart and the summit of the Church’s life? (CCC 1407) The Eucharist is the heart and the summit of the Church’s life, because in it Christ associates His Church with His redeeming sacrifice on the Cross.
1402. What are the four parts of Holy Mass? (CCC 1408) The four parts of Holy Mass are:
1. the proclamation of the Word of God
2. the thanksgiving to the Father
3. the Consecration of the gifts
4. the reception of Holy Communion.
1403. What does the Holy Eucharist commemorate? (CCC 1409) The Holy Eucharist commemorates Christ’s work of salvation.
1404. Who offers the Eucharistic sacrifice and who is its offering? (CCC 1410) It is Christ (1) who offers the Eucharistic sacrifice and (2) who is its offering.
1405. Who can celebrate the Eucharist? (CCC 1411) Only validly ordained priests can celebrate the Eucharist.
1406. What are the essential signs of the Eucharistic sacrament? (CCC 1412) The essential signs of the Eucharistic sacrament are wheat bread and grape wine.
1407. What does the consecration cause? (CCC 1413) The consecration causes the transubstantiation of the bread and wine into the Body and Blood of Christ.
1408. For which intentions can the Eucharist be offered? (CCC 1414) The Eucharist can be offered in order:
1. to make reparation for the sins of the living and the dead
2. to obtain spiritual or temporal benefits from God.
1409. Under what condition may Christ be received in the Holy Communion? (CCC 1415) Christ may be received in the Holy Communion under the condition that the communicant is in a state of grace.
1410. What are the five essential effects of receiving Holy Communion? (CCC 1416) The five effects of receiving Holy Communion are:
1. an increase of union with Christ
2. forgiveness of venial sins
3. preservation from future mortal sins
4. strengthening of the Church
5. helping the unity of the Church.
1411. How often must the faithful receive Holy Communion? (CCC 1417) The faithful must receive Holy Communion at least once a year.
1412. With what kind of worship is the Sacrament of the Altar honoured? (CCC 1418) The Sacrament of the Altar is honoured with the worship of adoration.
1413. How does the Holy Sacrifice unite us with Christ in heaven? (CCC 1419) The Holy Sacrifice unites us with Christ in heaven by:
1. identifying us with Christ’s Heart
2. sustaining our strength along the pilgrimage of this life
3. making us long for eternal life
4. uniting us even now to the Church in heaven.
1414. What are the two sacraments of healing? (CCC 1421) The two sacraments of healing are:
1. Penance
2. Anointing of the Sick.
1415. What is the purpose of the two sacraments of healing? (CCC 1421) The purpose of the two sacraments of healing is to continue Christ’s work of healing and salvation even among the members of the Church.
1416. What is given to those who receive the sacrament of Penance? (CCC 1422) To those who receive the sacrament of Penance are given:
1. pardon from God
2. reconciliation with the Church.
1417. What is this sacrament of Penance called in the CCC? (CCC 1423) The sacrament of Penance is called in the CCC the sacrament:
1. of conversion
2. of Penance
3. of confession
4. of forgiveness
5. of Reconciliation.
1418. Why is the sacrament of Penance called “the sacrament of conversion”? (CCC 1423) The sacrament of Penance is called the sacrament of conversion, because it makes sacramentally present Christ’s call to conversion, the first step in returning to God the Father from whom one has strayed by sin.
1419. Why is the sacrament of Penance so called? (CCC 1423) The sacrament of Penance is so called, because it consecrates the Christian sinner’s personal and ecclesial steps of conversion, penance and satisfaction.
1420. Why is the sacrament of Penance called “the sacrament of Confession”? (CCC 1424) The sacrament of Penance is called “the sacrament of Confession”, because the confession of sins to a priest is an essential element of this sacrament.
1421. Why is the sacrament of Penance called “the sacrament of forgiveness”? (CCC 1424) The sacrament of Penance is called “the sacrament of forgiveness”, because by the priest’s sacramental absolution God grants the penitent forgiveness for his sins.
1422. Why is the sacrament of Penance called “the sacrament of Reconciliation”? (CCC 1424) The sacrament of Penance is called “the sacrament of Reconciliation”, because it imparts to the sinner the love of God who reconciles.
1423. Why is there a sacrament of reconciliation after Baptism? (CCC 1426) There is a sacrament of reconciliation after Baptism, because Baptism does not abolish:
1. the weakness of human nature
2. the inclination to sin (concupiscence).
1424. What is the struggle of conversion? (CCC 1426) The struggle of conversion is the daily battle of Christian life directed toward holiness where the Christian may prove himself with the help of grace.
1425. What is the conversion of the baptised? (CCC 1428) The conversion of the baptised is the continuous second conversion after Baptism.
1426. How does St Ambrose describe the two conversions in the Church? (CCC 1429) St Ambrose (before AD 400) describes the two conversions in the Church by saying that:
1. Baptism is the conversion of water
2. Penance is the conversion of tears.
1427. Why must penance primarily be interior? (CCC 1430) Penance must primarily be interior since it aims at the conversion of the heart.
Interior penance, however, urges expression in visible signs.
1428. What is interior penance? (CCC 1431) Interior penance is (1) a conversion to God and (2) a turning away from evil, accompanied by (3) a salutary affliction of spirit (Latin: animi cruciatus) and (4) repentance of heart (Latin: compunctio cordis).
1429. Whose work is conversion first of all? (CCC 1432) Conversion is first of all a work of God’s grace.
1430. How are the many forms of penance in Christian life summed up in the Bible? (CCC 1434) The many forms of penance in Christian life are summed up in the Bible with the terms:
1. fasting
2. prayer
3. almsgiving.
Fasting, prayer and almsgiving are the three works of Christian mercy.
1431. What is the surest way of penance? (CCC 1435) The surest way of penance is taking up one’s cross each day and following Christ.
1432. Where do daily conversion and penance find their source and nourishment? (CCC 1436) Daily conversion and penance find their source and nourishment in the Holy Eucharist.
1433. How does every sincere act of worship or devotion promote penance? (CCC 1437) Every sincere act of worship or devotion promotes penance by:
1. reviving the spirit of conversion and repentance within us
2. contributing to the forgiveness of our sins.
1434. What are the most important seasons and days of penance in the Church? (CCC 1438) The most important seasons and days of penance in the Church are:
1. Lent
2. each Friday, in memory of the death of the Lord.
1435. In which parable does Christ describe the process of conversion? (CCC 1439) Christ describes the process of conversion in the parable of the prodigal son (Lk 15).
1436. Why is Confession the sacrament of penance and reconciliation? (CCC 1440) Confession is the sacrament of penance and reconciliation, because it entails both:
1. God’s forgiveness, achieved through penance
2. reconciliation with the Church.
1437. Who only forgives sins? (CCC 1441) God only forgives sins.
1438. To whom did Christ entrust the exercise of the power of absolution? (CCC 1442) Christ entrusted the exercise of the power of absolution to the apostolic ministry (bishops and priests).
1439. How did Christ receive the forgiven sinners back into communion? (CCC 1443) Christ received the forgiven sinners back into communion by inviting them at His table.
1440. How did Christ enable the apostles to reconcile sinners with the Church? (CCC 1444) Christ enabled the apostles to reconcile sinners with the Church by giving them the power of binding and loosing (Mt 16).
“Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.”
1441. What do the words “bind” and “loose” in Mt 16 mean? (CCC 1445) The words “bind” and “loose” in Mt 16 mean excluding from and receiving anew into the communion of the Church.
Reconciliation with the Church is inseparable from reconciliation with God.
1442. Why do the Fathers of the Church call Confession a “second plank”? (CCC 1446) The Fathers of the Church call Confession a “second plank” [of salvation], because it rescues after the shipwreck that is the loss of grace.
1443. What two principal forms has Confession taken in history? (CCC 1447) Confession has taken in history the following two forms:
1. in the first centuries: public penance
2. after the seventh century: secret penance only between priest and penitent.
1444. What is the fundamental structure of Confession? (CCC 1448) The fundamental structure of Confession is:
1. the three acts of the penitent helped by grace (contrition, confession and satisfaction)
2. the action of God through the priest (absolution of sins).
1445. What are the three acts of the penitent that conversion requires? (CCC 1450) The three acts of the penitent that conversion requires are:
1. contrition
2. confession
3. satisfaction.
1446. What are the three parts of contrition? (CCC 1451) The three parts of contrition are:
1. sorrow of the soul
2. detestation for the sin committed
3. resolution not to sin again.
1447. What are the two kinds of contrition? (CCC 1452-1453) The two kinds of contrition are:
1. perfect contrition
2. imperfect contrition.
1448. What is another name for perfect contrition? (CCC 1452) Another name for perfect contrition is contrition of charity.
1449. What is perfect contrition? (CCC 1452) Perfect contrition is a contrition arising from a love by which God is loved above all else.
1450. What are the effects of perfect contrition? (CCC 1452) The effects of perfect contrition are:
1. remission of venial sins
2. remission of mortal sins, if there is a resolution to go to Confession as soon as possible.
1451. How is imperfect contrition also called? (CCC 1453) Imperfect contrition is also called:
1. contrition of fear
2. attrition.
1452. What is imperfect contrition? (CCC 1453) Imperfect contrition is a contrition arising from the consideration of:
1. the ugliness of sin
2. the fear of eternal damnation
3. the other penalties threatening the sinner.
1453. What is the effect of imperfect contrition? (CCC 1453) The effect of imperfect contrition is to dispose the sinner to obtain forgiveness in Confession.
1454. How must Confession be prepared for? (CCC 1454) Confession must be prepared for by an examination of conscience.
1455. What are the advantages of the confession of sins from a human point of view? (CCC 1455) The advantages of the confession of sins from a human point of view are that it:
1. frees psychologically
2. facilitates reconciliation with others
3. helps in taking responsibility for sins
4. opens to God and to the Church.
1456. Which sins need to be confessed in the sacrament of Penance? (CCC 1456) All mortal sins of which the penitent is conscious after a diligent self-examination must be confessed in the sacrament of Penance.
1457. How does St Jerome explain the need of a thorough confession of one’s sins? (CCC 1456) St Jerome explains the need of a through confession of one’s sins by saying: “if the sick person (= sinner) is too ashamed to show his wound to the doctor (= priest), the medicine cannot heal what it does not know.”
1458. When must the faithful begin to confess? (CCC 1457) The faithful must begin to confess, when they reach the age of reason.
1459. How often are the faithful obliged to confess their sins? (CCC 1457) The faithful are obliged to confess their sins at least once a year.
1460. Why is the confession of venial sins recommended? (CCC 1458) The confession of venial sins is recommended, because it helps:
1. to form the conscience
2. to fight against evil tendencies
3. to receive healing from Christ
4. to progress in the spiritual life.
1461. Why is there still a need of satisfaction after absolution in Confession? (CCC 1459) There is still a need of satisfaction after absolution in Confession, because absolution takes away sin, but it does not remedy all the disorders sin has caused.
1462. Which disorders need to be repaired after sin has been committed? (CCC 1459) The disorders which need to be repaired after sin has been committed are:
1. the material harm caused by sin
2. the injures caused by sin in the sinner
3. the damage caused in the sinner’s relationship with God
4. the damage caused in the sinner’s relationship with his neighbour.
1463. How is the satisfaction imposed by the confessor called? (CCC 1459) The satisfaction imposed by the confessor is called penance.
1464. What can the penance imposed by the confessor be? (CCC 1460) The penance imposed by the confessor can be:
1. prayer
2. offerings
3. works of mercy
4. service of neighbour
5. voluntary self-denial
6. sacrifices
7. the patient acceptance of the cross that we must bear.
1465. Who is the minister of the sacrament of Confession? (CCC 1461) The minister of the sacrament of Confession is the bishop or the priest.
1466. Who is the moderator of the penitential discipline? (CCC 1462) The bishop is the moderator of the penitential discipline.
1467. What is the most severe ecclesiastical penalty that certain grave sins can incur? (CCC 1463) The most severe ecclesiastical penalty that certain grave sins can incur is excommunication.
Excommunication forbids the reception of the sacraments and the exercise of certain ecclesiastical acts.
1468. To what extent do priests have to make themselves available to hear Confession? (CCC 1464) Priests have to make themselves available to hear Confession each time the faithful reasonably ask for it.
1469. Who is the sign and the instrument of God’s merciful love for the sinner? (CCC 1465) The priest is the sign and the instrument of God’s merciful love for the sinner.
1470. Which are the qualities that make a good confessor? (CCC 1466) The qualities that make a good confessor are:
1. having the intention and charity of Christ
2. knowledge of Christian behaviour
3. experience of human affairs
4. sensitivity toward the sinner
5. love of the truth
6. faithfulness to the Magisterium
7. patience
8. prayer and penance for the penitents.
1471. What is the sacramental seal of Confession? (CCC 1467) The sacramental seal of Confession is the obligation of every confessor to keep absolute secrecy regarding the sins that his penitents have confessed to him.
The sacramental seal of Confession admits of no exceptions.
1472. What is the double effect of the sacrament of penance? (CCC 1468) The double effect of the sacrament of penance is:
1. to join the penitent with God in intimate friendship
2. to reconcile him with the Church.
1473. Why does Confession reconcile the penitent with the Church? (CCC 1469) Confession reconciles the penitent with the Church, because it repairs the fraternal communion that was damaged or broken by sin.
1474. Why does Confession, in a certain way, anticipate the Final Judgment? (CCC 1470) Confession anticipates, in a certain way, the Final Judgment, because in this sacrament, the sinner places himself before the merciful judgment of God to which he will also be subjected at the end of his earthly life.
1475. What is an indulgence? (CCC 1471) An indulgence is a remission of the temporal punishment of sins that have already been forgiven in the sacrament of Confession.
The temporal punishment of sins consists in a satisfactory penance.
1476. Who can gain an indulgence? (CCC 1471) The faithful can gain an indulgence given:
1. due disposition
2. fulfilment of certain prescribed conditions through the action of the Church.
1477. What are the two types of indulgences? (CCC 1471) The two types of indulgences are:
1. partial indulgence removing part of the temporal punishment of sin
2. plenary indulgence removing all of the temporal punishment of sin.
1478. For whom can one gain indulgences? (CCC 1471) One can gain indulgences (1) for oneself or (2) apply them to the dead.
1479. What is the eternal punishment of sin? (CCC 1472) The eternal punishment of sin is the everlasting punishment in hell inflicted on the sinner by every grave sin.
1480. What is the temporal punishment of sin? (CCC 1472) The temporal punishment of sin is the satisfactory penance which the sinner is required to do for his sins that have been forgiven in Confession.
1481. Why must satisfactory penance be done for the sins forgiven in Confession? (CCC 1472) Satisfactory penance must be done for the sins forgiven in Confession, because satisfaction:
1. is required by God’s justice and mercy
2. atones to the Church that is insulted by our crimes
3. deters others from sin
4. conforms us to Christ
5. heals the wounds of sin
6. disarms the vengeance of God.
1482. Where must the temporal punishment of sin be purified? (CCC 1472) The temporal punishment of sin must be purified either:
1. here on earth or
2. after death in Purgatory.
1483. What impact does Confession have on eternal and temporal punishment? (CCC 1473) The sacrament of Confession forgives the eternal punishment of sin but does not cancel its temporal punishment.
1484. How can the temporal punishment of sin be purified on earth? (CCC 1473) The temporal punishment of sin can be purified on earth through:
1. obtaining indulgences from the Church
2. various practices of penance
3. good works.
1485. Why do the saints benefit the contrite sinners? (CCC 1475) The saints benefit the contrite sinners because of the link of charity and abundant exchange of all good things between them so that the holiness of one profits others.
1486. What is the Church’s treasury? (CCC 1476) The Church’s treasury is the spiritual goods of the communion of saints and an abundant exchange of all good things among all members of the Church.
1487. What does the Church’s treasury include? (CCC 1476-1477) The Church’s treasury includes:
1. Christ’s infinite merits before God
2. the prayers and good works of Our Lady
3. the prayers and good works of all the saints.
1488. Why is the Church entitled to dispense indulgences? (CCC 1478) The Church is entitled to dispense indulgences by virtue of the power of binding and loosening granted her by Christ.
1489. Why can one apply indulgences to the dead? (CCC 1479) One can apply indulgences to the dead, because the souls in Purgatory are also members of the same Church in which there is an abundant exchange of all good things.
1490. Which are the essential parts in the celebration of the sacrament of Penance? (CCC 1480) The essential parts in the celebration of the sacrament of Penance are:
1. confession of sins
2. exhortation by the confessor
3. imposition of a penance
4. absolution by the priest.
1491. How can Confession take place in the framework of a communal celebration? (CCC 1482) Confession can take place in the framework of a communal celebration through:
1. communal preparation for confession
2. personal confession of sins and individual absolution.
1492. When is recourse to general confession and general absolution licit? (CCC 1483) Recourse to general confession and general absolution is licit in case of grave necessity.
1493. Who is the judge of whether the conditions required for general absolution exist? (CCC 1483) The judge of whether the conditions required for general absolution exist is the diocesan bishop.
1494. When is there a case of grave necessity allowing for general absolution? (CCC 1483) There is a case of grave necessity allowing for general absolution:
1. if there is imminent danger of death without sufficient time or priests for individual confessions
2. if the penitents would be deprived of Communion for a long time due to a lack of confessors.
1495. What is required for a general absolution of sins to be valid? (CCC 1483) For a general absolution of sins to be valid, the faithful must have the intention of individually confessing their grave sins as soon as possible.
1496. Why is individual Confession the only ordinary way to reconciliation with God? (CCC 1484) Individual Confession is the only ordinary way to reconciliation with God, because Christ:
1. addresses every sinner personally
2. is the physician tending each one of the sick.
1497. What is the New Testament locus classicus for the sacrament of Confession? (CCC 1485) The New Testament locus classicus for the sacrament of Confession is Jn 20 where Christ says to the apostles: “If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.”
1498. How is the forgiveness of sins committed after Baptism conferred? (CCC 1486) The forgiveness of sins committed after Baptism is conferred by the sacrament of Confession.
1499. Whom does the sinner wound with his sin? (CCC 1487) With his sin the sinner wounds:
1. God
2. himself
3. the Church.
1500. What is the biggest evil to the eye of faith? (CCC 1488) The biggest evil to the eye of faith is sin.
1501. Whose work is conversion? (CCC 1489) Conversion is the work of the grace of God.
1502. Which three elements does repentance entail? (CCC 1490) Repentance entails the three elements of:
1. sorrow of the soul
2. abhorrence of the sins committed
2. the firm purpose of sinning no more.
1503. What are the four parts of the sacrament of Confession? (CCC 1491) The four parts of the sacrament of Confession are:
1. contrition
2. confession
3. satisfaction
4. absolution.
1504. What two types of contrition/ repentance are there? (CCC 1492) The two types of contrition/ repentance are:
1. perfect contrition that arises from love of charity for God
2. imperfect contrition that is founded on other motives.
1505. What must the sinner do in order to obtain reconciliation with God and the Church? (CCC 1493) In order to obtain reconciliation with God and the Church the sinner must confess to a priest all the unconfessed grave sins he remembers after having carefully examined his conscience.
1506. Why does the confessor require from the penitent certain acts of satisfaction? (CCC 1494) The confessor requires of the penitent certain acts of satisfaction so that the harm caused by sin be repaired and habits befitting a Christian re-established.
1507. Who can forgive sins in the sacrament of Confession? (CCC 1495) In the sacrament of Confession only those priests can forgive sins who have received the faculty of absolving from the authority of the Church.
1508. What are the two major spiritual effects of Confession? (CCC 1496) The two major spiritual effects of Confession are:
1. pardon from God
2. reconciliation with the Church.
1509. What is the only ordinary means of reconciliation with God and the Church? (CCC 1497) The only ordinary means of reconciliation with God and the Church is an individual and full confession of grave sins followed by a sacramental absolution.
1510. What can the faithful obtain through indulgences? (CCC 1498) The faithful can obtain through indulgences the remission of temporal punishment resulting from sin.
1511. Which are the two purposes of the Anointing of the Sick? (CCC 1499) The two purposes of the Anointing of the Sick are:
1. commendation of the ill to Christ that He may raise them up and save them
2. the exhortation that they may unite themselves with Him.
1512. Where in Isaiah does the Anointing of the Sick have its foundations? (CCC 1502) In Isaiah the Anointing of the Sick has its foundations when the prophet announces that God will usher in a time for Zion when He will pardon every offence and heal every illness (Is 33).
1513. What do Christ’s healings signify? (CCC 1505) Christ’s healings signify the coming of the Kingdom of God that heals sin and death.
1514. How did the disciples share in Christ’s ministry of healing? (CCC 1506) The disciples shared in Christ’s ministry of healing by casting out many demons, anointing with oil many that were sick and healing them.
1515. What is the New Testament locus classicus for the Anointing of the Sick? (CCC 1510) The New Testament locus classicus for the Anointing of the Sick is Jas 5:14-15.
“Is any among you sick? Let him call for the priests of the Church and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord; and the prayer of faith will save the sick man and the Lord will raise him up; and if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven.”
1516. When did Christ institute the Anointing of the Sick? (CCC 1511) Christ instituted the Anointing of the Sick when He sent out the disciples who anointed with oil many who were sick and cured them (Mk 6).
1517. Why is the Anointing of the Sick also called the Extreme Unction? (CCC 1512) The Anointing of the Sick is also called the Extreme Unction, because over the centuries it was conferred more and more exclusively on those at the point of death.
1518. What formula is used in the Latin Church for the Anointing of the Sick? (CCC 1513) In the Latin Church the following formula is used for the Anointing of the Sick: “Through this holy anointing may the Lord in His love and mercy help you with the grace of the Holy Spirit. May the Lord who frees you from sin save you and raise you up.”
1519. Who receives and who administers the Anointing of the Sick? (CCC 1515-1516) The recipients of the Anointing of the Sick are any of the faithful who are in danger of death from sickness or old age; its minister is the bishop or priest.
1520. When may the Anointing of the Sick be repeated? (CCC 1515) The Anointing of the Sick may be repeated:
1. if somebody received the Anointing of the sick, recovers his health and again falls gravely sick
2. if the condition of the sick becomes more serious during the same illness.
1521. Why should the ailing faithful prepare themselves for the Anointing of the Sick? (CCC 1516) The ailing faithful should prepare themselves for the Anointing of the Sick in order to receive it with good dispositions.
1522. How is the Anointing of the Sick celebrated? (CCC 1519) The Anointing of the Sick is celebrated with three principal elements:
1. silent laying hands on the sick
2. prayer over him
3. anointing with blessed oil.
1523. What are the five effects of the Anointing of the Sick? (CCC 1520-1523) The five effects of the Anointing of the Sick are:
1. union with Christ’s Passion
2. strengthening
3. forgiveness of sins
4. restoration of health in spirit and body
5. preparation for death.
The order of the points has been changed to conform this question with CCC 1532.
1524. Why is the Anointing of the Sick also called sacramentum exeuntium? (CCC 1523) The Anointing of the Sick is also called sacramentum exeuntium (the sacrament of those departing), because it is given to those at the point of departing this life.
1525. What is Viaticum? (CCC 1524) Viaticum is the last Holy Communion, which the dying receive after the Anointing of the Sick.
1526. Which three sacraments complete the earthly pilgrimage? (CCC 1525) The three sacraments that complete the earthly pilgrimage are:
1. Confession
2. Anointing of the Sick
3. Eucharist.
1527. What is the New Testament locus classicus for the Anointing of the Sick? (CCC 1526) The New Testament locus classicus for the Anointing of the Sick is Jas 5.
1528. What is the purpose of the Anointing of the Sick? (CCC 1527) The purpose of the Anointing of the Sick is to confer a special grace of strengthening on the ailing faithful.
1529. When is the proper time for receiving the Anointing of the Sick? (CCC 1528) The proper time for receiving the Anointing of the Sick is when the faithful begin to be in danger of death because of illness or old age.
1530. When may the faithful receive the Anointing of the Sick? (CCC 1529) The faithful may receive the Anointing of the Sick each time they fall seriously ill or when a sickness worsens.
1531. Who can administer the Anointing of the Sick? (CCC 1530) Only bishops and priests can administer the Anointing of the Sick.
1532. How is the Anointing of the Sick celebrated? (CCC 1531) The Anointing of the Sick is celebrated with three principal elements:
1. silent laying hands on the sick
2. prayer over him
3. anointing with blessed oil.
1533. What are the five effects of the Anointing of the Sick? (CCC 1532) The five effects of the Anointing of the Sick are:
1. union with Christ’s Passion
2. strengthening
3. forgiveness of sins
4. restoration of health
5. preparation for death.
1534. Why do the sacraments of Holy Orders and of Matrimony belong together? (CCC 1534) The sacraments of Holy Orders and of Matrimony belong together, because they both are directed toward the salvation of others.
1535. How do Holy Orders and Matrimony contribute to personal salvation? (CCC 1534) Holy Orders and Matrimony contribute to personal salvation through service to others.
1536. What particular consecration is received through Holy Orders? (CCC 1535) The particular consecration received through Holy Orders is for the task to feed the Church with the grace and the word of God.
1537. What is the effect of the sacrament of Matrimony? (CCC 1535) The effect of the sacrament of Matrimony is to fortify and, as it were, consecrate the spouses for the duties and dignity of their state.
1538. Why is Holy Orders the sacrament of apostolic ministry? (CCC 1536) Holy Orders is the sacrament of apostolic ministry, because through it the mission entrusted by Christ to His apostles continues to be exercised in the Church until the end of times.
1539. Why is the sacrament of Holy Orders called “orders”? (CCC 1537) The sacrament of Holy Orders is called “orders”, because it incorporates into the order (= body) of the deacons, priests or bishops.
In Roman antiquity the word “order” (Latin: ‘ordo”) designated an established civil body, especially with governing functions.
1540. What is “ordination”? (CCC 1538) “Ordination” is a sacramental liturgical act that incorporates a man into the order of bishops, priests or deacons.
1541. Why is ordination not a simple election, designation, delegation, or institution by the community? (CCC 1538) The ordination is not a simple election, designation, delegation or institution by the community, because it confers a gift of the Holy Spirit that permits the exercise of a “sacred power” (Latin: sacra potestas).
1542. Why is ordination also called consecration? (CCC 1538) Ordination is also called consecration, because it is a setting apart and an investiture by Christ.
1543. What is the visible sign of the sacrament of Holy Orders? (CCC 1538) The visible sign of the sacrament of Holy Orders is (1) the laying on of hands by the bishop, with (2) the consecratory prayers.
1544. What is the first prefiguring of Holy Orders in the economy of salvation? (CCC 1539) The first prefiguring of the sacrament of Holy Orders in the economy of salvation is the consecration of the Old Testament priesthood (Lev 8).
1545. What could the priesthood of the Old Testament do and what could it not do? (CCC 1540) The priesthood of the Old Testament could proclaim the Word of God and restore communion with God by sacrifices and prayer, but it could not bring about salvation.
1546. What three OT prefigurings of Holy Orders does the Liturgy mention? (CCC 1541) The Liturgy mentions the following three Old Testament prefigurings of Holy Orders:
1. the priesthood of Aaron
2. the service of the Levites
3. the institution of the seventy elders (Num 11).
1547. Who is the Old Testament prefiguring of the priesthood of Christ? (CCC 1544) The Old Testament prefiguring of the priesthood of Christ is Melchizedek (Gen 14).
Melchizedek’s single offering as opposed to the many offerings in the Temple prefigures Christ’s unique sacrifice.
1548. How is the one priesthood of Christ made present? (CCC 1545) The one priesthood of Christ is made present through the ministerial priesthood.
1549. What are the two participations in the one priesthood of Christ? (CCC 1545-1546) The two participations in the one priesthood of Christ are:
1. the ministerial or hierarchical priesthood of bishops and priests
2. the common baptismal priesthood of all the faithful.
1550. How do the hierarchical priesthood and the baptismal priesthood differ? (CCC 1547) The hierarchical priesthood and the baptismal priesthood differ essentially.
1551. In what consists the difference between ministerial and baptismal priesthood? (CCC 1547) The difference between ministerial and baptismal priesthood consists in the fact that the baptismal priesthood is exercised by the unfolding of baptismal grace while the ministerial priesthood is at the service of the baptismal priesthood.
1552. Why is the ministerial priesthood transmitted by its own sacrament? (CCC 1547) The ministerial priesthood is transmitted by its own sacrament, because it is a special means by which Christ unceasingly builds up and leads the Church.
The building up of the Church happens through the sacraments celebrated by the priest.
1553. What does it mean that the priest acts in the person of Christ, the Head? (CCC 1548) That the priest acts in the person of Christ, the Head means, that in the service of the priest Christ is present to the Church.
“In the person of Christ, the Head is in Latin: in persóna Christi cápitis.
1554. How does St Ignatius of Antioch relate the bishop to God the Father? (CCC 1549) St Ignatius of Antioch (around AD 100) relates the bishop to God the Father by calling him “the image of God the Father” (Greek: typos tou Patros).
1555. Which acts of the ordained minister does the Holy Spirit guarantee? (CCC 1550) The Holy Spirit guarantees the sacramental acts of the ordained minister.
Apart from that, ordained ministers are not preserved from human weaknesses and sin.
1556. Why is the ministerial priesthood a service in a strict sense of the term? (CCC 1551) The ministerial priesthood is a service in a strict sense of the term, because:
1. it depends entirely on Christ and on His unique priesthood
2. it has been instituted for the good of men and the Church.
1557. When does the ministerial priesthood above all act in the name of the Church? (CCC 1552) The ministerial priesthood acts in the name of the Church above all when offering the Eucharistic sacrifice.
1558. What does it mean that the priest acts “in the name of the whole Church”? (CCC 1553) That the priest acts “in the name of the whole Church” means that he, by representing the prayer and offering of Christ, also represents the prayer and offering of the Church, because the latter is inseparable from the first.
“In the name of the whole Church” does therefore not mean that priests are the delegates of the community.
1559. Which are the three degrees of the sacrament of Holy Orders? (CCC 1554) The three degrees of the sacrament of Holy Orders are:
1. episcopacy
2. presbyterate
3. diaconate.
1560. What are the two degrees of ministerial participation in Christ’s priesthood? (CCC 1554) The two degrees of ministerial participation in Christ’s priesthood are:
1. the episcopacy
2. the presbyterate.
1561. What is the task of the deacon in respect to the bishop and priest? (CCC 1554) The task of the deacon in respect to the bishop and priest is to help and serve them.
1562. What is the fullness of the sacrament of Holy Orders? (CCC 1555) The fullness of the sacrament of Holy Orders is episcopal ordination.
1563. How can the episcopacy be called? (CCC 1557) The episcopacy can be called:
1. the fullness of the sacrament of Holy Orders
2. the high priesthood
3. the acme (Latin: “summa”) of the sacred ministry.
1564. What three offices does the episcopal consecration confer? (CCC 1558) The episcopal consecration confers the three offices of:
1. sanctifying (priest)
2. teaching (teacher)
3. ruling (shepherd).
1565. How is one constituted a member of the episcopal body? (CCC 1559) One is constituted a member of the episcopal body:
1. in virtue of the sacramental consecration
2. by the hierarchical communion with the head and members of the college.
1566. For which part of the Church is a bishop responsible as a lawful pastor? (CCC 1560) A bishop is responsible as a lawful pastor only for the portion of the flock entrusted to his care.
As a successor of the apostles he is also responsible with the other bishops for the apostolic mission of the Church.
1567. Why is the Eucharist celebrated by the bishop of particular significance? (CCC 1561) The Eucharist celebrated by the bishop is of particular significance, because it is an expression of the Church gathered around the altar with the one who represents Christ.
1568. What is the task of the priests in respect to the bishop? (CCC 1562) The task of the priests in respect to the bishop is to be his co-workers.
1569. Why does the priest share in the authority by which Christ rules the Church? (CCC 1563) The priest shares in the authority by which Christ rules the Church, because he is joined with the episcopal order.
1570. What is the task of the priests who are associated with the bishops? (CCC 1564) The task of the priests who are associated with the bishops is:
1. to celebrate divine worship
2. to preach the Gospel
3. to shepherd the faithful.
1571. Where does the priest exercise his sacred office in a supreme degree? (CCC 1566) The priest exercises his sacred office in a supreme degree when celebrating the Eucharist.
1572. What is the presbyterium? (CCC 1567) The presbyterium is the sacerdotal college constituted by the priests together with their bishop.
1573. Where does the unity of the presbyterium find liturgical expression? (CCC 1568) The unity of the presbyterium finds liturgical expression in the custom of the priests’ imposing hands, after the bishop, during the rite of ordination.
1574. Unto what do the deacons receive the imposition of hands? (CCC 1569) The deacons receive the imposition of hands unto the ministry but not unto the priesthood.
1575. What are the five main tasks of the deacon? (CCC 1570) The five main tasks of the deacon are:
1. to assist bishop and priest in the Liturgy
2. to distribute Holy Communion
3. to assist at and to bless marriages
4. to proclaim the Gospel and preach
5. to preside over funerals.
1576. What is the permanent diaconate? (CCC 1571) The permanent diaconate is a ministry that can be conferred on married men who carry out a liturgical, pastoral or social service in the Church.
1577. When should the celebration of the sacrament of Holy Orders take place? (CCC 1572) The celebration of the sacrament of Holy Orders should take place preferably on Sunday within the Eucharistic liturgy.
1578. Where should the celebration of the sacrament of Holy Orders take place? (CCC 1572) The celebration of the sacrament of Holy Orders should take place preferably in the cathedral.
1579. What is the essential rite in the celebration of the sacrament of Holy Orders? (CCC 1573) The essential rite in the celebration of the sacrament of Holy Orders is:
1. the bishop’s quiet imposition of hands on the head of the ordinand
2. the subsequent consecratory prayer of the bishop.
1580. Which additional rites surround the Western celebration of Holy Orders? (CCC 1574) The additional rites surrounding the Western celebration of the sacrament of Holy Orders are:
1. presentation and election of the ordinand
2. instruction by the bishop
3. examination of the candidate
4. litany of the saints
5. anointing with holy chrism
6. to a new bishop: giving the book of the Gospels, the ring, the mitre, the crosier
to a new priest: presentation of the paten and chalice
to a new deacon: giving the book of the Gospels.
1581. Who can confer the sacrament of Holy Orders? (CCC 1576) Only validly ordained bishops can confer the three degrees of the sacrament of Holy Orders.
1582. Who can receive the sacrament of Holy Orders? (CCC 1577) Only a baptised man (Latin: vir - as opposed to woman) validly receives the sacred ordination.
1583. Why is the ordination of women not possible? (CCC 1577) The ordination of women is not possible, because Christ Himself chose men (Latin: viri) to form the college of the twelve apostles and the apostles did the same when they chose their successors.
Christ has come as the bridegroom (Jn 3:29). The male priest embodies Christ, the bridegroom.
1584. How can somebody who thinks to be called reach Holy Orders? (CCC 1578) Somebody who thinks to be called can reach Holy Orders only by humbly submitting his desire to the authority of the Church.
1585. What is the state of life of the ordained ministers in the Latin Church (CCC 1579) The state of life of the ordained ministers in the Latin Church is normally permanent celibacy, except for the permanent deacons.
1586. What is the state of life of the ordained ministers in the Eastern Churches? (CCC 1580) The state of life of the ordained ministers in the Eastern Churches is for the bishops permanent celibacy while married men may be ordained as priests and deacons.
1587. What rules do the Eastern Churches observe when ordaining married men? (CCC 1580) When ordaining married men, the Eastern Churches observe the following three rules:
1. Married men can be ordained as deacons and priests.
2. Once a man has received Holy Orders he can no longer marry.
3. Bishops are chosen solely from among celibate men.
1588. What are the two effects of the sacrament of Holy Orders? (CCC 1581-1589) The two effects of the sacrament of Holy Orders are:
1. an indelible spiritual character which confers the power to serve as Christ’s instrument
2. the grace of the Holy Spirit as a configuration to Christ as Priest, Prophet and King.
1589. Why can Holy Orders not be repeated or conferred temporarily? (CCC 1582) Holy Orders cannot be repeated or conferred temporarily, because they confer an indelible spiritual character.
1590. Why can somebody validly ordained not become a layman again? (CCC 1583) Somebody validly ordained cannot become a layman again, because the character imprinted by ordination is forever.
1591. Why does the validity of the sacraments not depend on the priest’s worthiness? (CCC 1584) The validity of the sacraments does not depend on the priest’s worthiness, because it is ultimately Christ who acts and effects salvation even through an unworthy priest.
The power of the sacrament is comparable to light: passing through something defiled, it is not itself defiled.
1592. What is the grace proper to the episcopal consecration? (CCC 1586) The grace proper to the episcopal consecration is the grace of strength.
1593. Why does the bishop especially need the grace of strength? (CCC 1586) The bishop especially needs the grace of strength in order:
1. to guide and defend his Church
2. to proclaim the Gospel to all
3. to be the model for his flock
4. to go before his flock on the way of sanctification.
1594. What grace does the deacon receive at ordination? (CCC 1588) The deacon receives at ordination the grace to serve the Church in conjunction with the bishop and priests.
1595. To whom does St Paul mention the grace of ordination? (CCC 1590) St Paul mentions the grace of ordination to Timothy: “I remind you to rekindle the gift of God that is within you through the laying on of my hands” (2 Tim 1).
1596. What two types of priesthood are there? (CCC 1591) There is (1) the baptismal or common priesthood of all the faithful and (2) the ministerial or hierarchical priesthood conferred through the sacrament of Holy Orders.
1597. How does the ministerial priesthood differ from the common priesthood? (CCC 1592) The ministerial priesthood differs from the common priesthood in essence, because it confers a sacred power for the service of the faithful.
1598. In which three degrees is the ordained ministry conferred? (CCC 1593) The ordained ministry is conferred in the three degrees of (1) bishop, (2) priest and (3) deacon.
1599. Who receives the fullness of the sacrament of Holy Orders? (CCC 1594) The bishop receives the fullness of the sacrament of Holy Orders.
1600. How is the priest united with the bishop and at the same time dependent on him? (CCC 1595) The priest is united with the bishop and at the same time dependent on him by being united with him in sacerdotal dignity and at the same time depend on him in the exercise of his pastoral functions.
1601. For what are the deacons ordained? (CCC 1596) The deacons are ordained for tasks of service of the Church.
1602. What does the sacrament of Holy Orders confer on the ordinand? (CCC 1597) The sacrament of Holy Orders confers on the ordinand:
1. an indelible spiritual character which confers the power to serve as Christ’s instrument
2. the grace of the Holy Spirit required for his ministry.
1603. On whom does the Church confer the sacrament of Holy Orders? (CCC 1598) The Church confers the sacrament of Holy Orders only on baptised men (Latin: viri), whose suitability for the exercise of the ministry has been duly recognized.
1604. What specific condition does the Latin Church normally require of the ordinands? (CCC 1599) The Latin Church normally requires of the ordinands that they embrace a celibate life.
1605. Who confers the sacrament of Holy Orders in its three degrees? (CCC 1600) The bishop confers the sacrament of Holy Orders in its three degrees.
1606. Towards which two purposes is marriage ordered? (CCC 1601) Marriage is ordered toward:
1. the good of the spouses
2. the procreation and education of offspring.
1607. Where does marriage appear in God’s plan throughout the history of salvation? (CCC 1602) Marriage appears in God’s plan throughout the history of salvation:
1. in the beginning with the creation of man and woman
2. at the end with a vision of the wedding-feast of the Lamb in Rev 19
3. throughout the Bible.
1608. Who is the author of marriage? (CCC 1603) God is the author of marriage.
1609. Where does the “vocation to marriage” have its origin? (CCC 1603) The “vocation to marriage” has its origin in the very nature of man.
The nature of man is constituted by his body and his reasonable soul.
1610. What are the biblical loci classici for the three goods of marriage? (CCC 1604-1605) The biblical loci classici for the three goods of marriage are:
1. Gen 1, when God says to Adam/ Eve: “Be fruitful and multiply, fill the earth and subdue it.”
2. Gen 2, when God says: “It is not good that the man should be alone.”
3. Mt 19, when Christ says: “What God has joined together, let not man put asunder.”
The three goods of marriage are fertility (Gen 1), faithfulness (Gen 2) and indissolubility (Mt 19).
1611. What are the main evils that threaten the marital union? (CCC 1606) The main evils that threaten the marital union are:
1. discord
2. spirit of domination
3. infidelity
4. jealousy
5. conflicts.
1612. How did original sin affect marriage? (CCC 1607) Original sin affected marriage by breaking the original harmony between man and woman.
1613. How did original sin change the original harmony between man and woman? (CCC 1607) Original sin changed the original harmony between man and woman by bringing into their lives:
1. mutual recriminations
2. domination and lust
3. the pain of childbirth and the toil of work.
1614. How can the wounds of original sin that affect marriage be healed? (CCC 1608) The wounds of original sin that affect marriage can be healed by the help of God’s grace.
1615. What is the function of marriage in the Old Testament? (CCC 1609) The function of marriage in the Old Testament is to remedy and limit the damaging effects of sin.
1616. How does marriage help to overcome the damaging effects of sin? (CCC 1609) Marriage helps to overcome the damaging effects of sin by contributing:
1. to defeat self-absorption, egoism and pursuit of one’s own pleasure
2. to open oneself to the other, to mutual aid and to self-giving.
1617. Why does the OT law of marriage carry traces of man’s hardness of heart? (CCC 1610) The Old Testament law of marriage carries traces of man’s hardness of heart, because it permitted men to divorce their wives.
1618. What two books of the OT bear witness to an elevated sense of marriage? (CCC 1611) The Old Testament books of Ruth and Tobit bear witness to an elevated sense of marriage.
1619. What does Christ’s presence at the wedding at Cana express? (CCC 1613) Christ’s presence at the wedding at Cana expresses:
1. the goodness of marriage
2. that marriage will henceforth be an efficacious sign of Christ’s presence.
1620. Where in the NT does Christ preach the unity and indissolubility of Christian marriage? (CCC 1614) Christ preaches the unity and indissolubility of Christian marriage in Mt 19.
Unity (= monogamy) and indissolubility are the two properties of marriage.
1621. Why is the indissolubility of the marriage bond not a burden impossible to bear? (CCC 1615) The indissolubility of the marriage bond is not a burden impossible to bear, because Christ Himself gives the strength and grace to live it.
1622. How can spouses practically grasp the original meaning of marriage and live it? (CCC 1615) Spouses can practically grasp the original meaning of marriage and live it by:
1. following Christ
2. renouncing themselves
3. taking up their crosses.
1623. The fruit of what is the grace of Christian marriage? (CCC 1615) The grace of Christian marriage is the fruit of Christ’s cross.
1624. What is the locus classicus in St Paul on marriage? (CCC 1616) The locus classicus in St Paul on marriage is Eph 5: “For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife and the two shall become one. This is a great mystery (Latin: sacramentum) and I mean in reference to Christ and the Church.”
1625. Why is Christian marriage a true sacrament of the New Covenant? (CCC 1617) Christian marriage is a true sacrament of the New Covenant, because it signifies and communicates grace.
1626. What bond in Christian life takes precedence over all other bonds? (CCC 1618) The bond in Christian life that takes precedence over all other bonds is the bond with Christ.
1627. Of what is virginity for the sake of the kingdom a powerful sign? (CCC 1619) Virginity for the sake of the kingdom is a powerful sign of:
1. the supremacy of the bond with Christ
2. the ardent expectation of Christ’s return
3. the fact that marriage is a reality which is passing away.
1628. Where do matrimony and virginity for the Kingdom come from? (CCC 1620) Matrimony and virginity for the Kingdom both come from the Lord Himself.
1629. What is the normal context for the celebration of marriage in the Latin Church? (CCC 1621) The normal context for the celebration of marriage in the Latin Church is Holy Mass.
1630. How should the spouses prepare themselves for the celebration of the marriage? (CCC 1622) The spouses should prepare themselves for the celebration of the marriages by going to Confession.
1631. Who is the minister of matrimony according to the Latin tradition? (CCC 1623) According to the Latin tradition the minister of matrimony is the spouses who mutually confer upon each other the sacrament of Matrimony by expressing their consent before the Church.
The Latin tradition is the tradition of the Roman Catholic Church.
1632. Who is the minister of matrimony in the Eastern Churches? (CCC 1623) The minister of matrimony in the Eastern Churches is the priest, whose blessing, as well as the mutual consent of the spouses, is necessary for the validity of the sacrament.
1633. How is the Holy Spirit present in the sacrament of Matrimony? (CCC 1624) In the sacrament of Matrimony the Holy Spirit is present as:
1. the seal of the covenant of the spouses
2. the ever open source of their love
3. the strength by which their faithfulness is renewed.
1634. When is the matrimonial consent of two baptised people freely expressed? (CCC 1625) The matrimonial consent of two baptised people is freely expressed when it is:
1. not under constraint (e.g. coercion, grave external fear)
2. not impeded by any natural law
3. not impeded by any ecclesiastical law.
1635. What is the indispensable element that “makes the marriage”? (CCC 1626) The indispensable element that “makes the marriage” is the exchange of consent between the spouses.
1636. In what does the matrimonial consent consist? (CCC 1627) The matrimonial consent consists in a human act by which the partners mutually give themselves to each other.
“I take you to be my wife.” - “I take you to be my husband.”
1637. What does a lack of freedom of consent in contracting a marriage effect? (CCC 1628) A lack of freedom of consent in contracting a marriage makes the marriage invalid.
1638. What is the declaration of nullity of a marriage? (CCC 1629) The declaration of nullity of a marriage is an assessment after due process that a marriage never existed.
In English the declaration of nullity of a marriage is sometimes called ambiguously: “annulment”.
1639. What is the function of the priest assisting at the celebration of a marriage? (CCC 1630) The function of the priest assisting at the celebration of a marriage is:
1. to receive the consent of the spouses in the name of the Church
2. to give the blessing of the Church.
1640. Why is the ecclesiastical form normally required for a marriage? (CCC 1631) The ecclesiastical form is normally required for a marriage because:
1. of the liturgical character of matrimony
2. it initiates into an ecclesial order
3. it is an ecclesial state of life
4. of the public character of the consent.
1641. What double preparation is important for Matrimony? (CCC 1632) The double preparation important for Matrimony is:
1. the example and teaching of parents and families
2. instruction by the priest and the parish.
1642. What is a mixed marriage? (CCC 1633) A mixed marriage is a marriage between a Catholic and a baptised non-Catholic.
1643. What is a marriage with disparity of cult? (CCC 1633) A marriage with disparity of cult is a marriage between a Catholic and a non-baptised person.
1644. What religious temptation can arise in a mixed marriage? (CCC 1634) In a mixed marriage the temptation to religious indifference can arise.
1645. What does a mixed marriage need in order to be licit? (CCC 1635) In order to be licit a mixed marriage needs the express permission of ecclesiastical authority.
1646. What does a marriage with disparity of cult need in order to be valid? (CCC 1635) In order to be valid a marriage with disparity of cult needs an express dispensation from this impediment by ecclesiastical authority.
1647. Under what condition is a Catholic allowed to marry a non-Catholic? (CCC 1635) A Catholic is allowed to marry a non-Catholic if:
1. both parties know and do not exclude the ends and properties of marriage
2. the Catholic intends to preserve his faith
3. the Catholic is willing to ensure the baptism and education of the children in the Church.
The non-Catholic party must be aware of these commitments.
1648. What is the particular task of a Catholic in a marriage with disparity of cult? (CCC 1637) The particular task of a Catholic in a marriage with disparity of cult is to work for the consecration of the unbelieving spouse and to lead him to a free conversion to the Faith.
1649. What are the two effects of the sacrament of Matrimony? (CCC 1638) The two effects of the sacrament of Matrimony are:
1. a perpetual and exclusive bond between the spouses
2. the grace proper to the sacrament of Matrimony.
1650. What does Gaudium et Spes 42 call the marriage bond? (CCC 1639) Gaudium et Spes 42 calls the marriage bond an institution, confirmed by the divine law, even in the eyes of society.
Gaudium et Spes is a Vatican II document, the Pastoral Constitution on the Church in the Modern World.
1651. What marriage can never be dissolved? (CCC 1640) A marriage can never be dissolved if:
1. it was contracted between two baptised persons
2. it has been consummated.
1652. What is the double purpose of the grace proper to the sacrament of Matrimony? (CCC 1641) The double purpose of the grace proper to the sacrament of Matrimony is:
1. to perfect the couple’s love
2. to strengthen their indissoluble unity.
1653. How does Christ encounter the spouses through the sacrament of Matrimony? (CCC 1642) Christ encounters the spouses through the sacrament of Matrimony by dwelling with them and giving them the strength:
1. to take up their crosses and so follow Him
2. to rise again after they have fallen
3. to forgive one another
4. to bear one another’s burdens
5. to be subject to one another out of reverence for Christ
6. to love one another with supernatural, tender and fruitful love.
1654. What are the three goods of the sacrament of marriage? (CCC 1643) The three goods of the sacrament of marriage are:
1. faithfulness (Latin: fides)
2. fertility (Latin: proles)
3. indissolubility (Latin: sacramentum).
1655. How is the human communion of Marriage completed and deepened? (CCC 1644) The human communion of Marriage is completed and deepened by:
1. communion in Christ, given through the sacrament of Matrimony
2. a life of common faith
3. the Eucharist.
1656. What does the expression “unity of Christian marriage” mean? (CCC 1644) The expression “unity of Christian marriage” means that the Christian marriage is monogamous.
1657. What does the expression “indissolubility of Christian marriage” mean? (CCC 1644) The expression “indissolubility of Christian marriage” means that Christian marriage lasts until the death of one of the partners.
1658. Why is Christian marriage contrary to polygamy? (CCC 1645) Christian marriage is contrary to polygamy because it is undivided and exclusive.
1659. What kind of fidelity does marriage demand according to GS 48? (CCC 1646) According to Gaudium et Spes 48 marriage demands total fidelity from the spouses and requires an unbreakable union between them.
Gaudium et Spes is a Vatican II document, the Pastoral Constitution on the Church in the Modern World.
1660. What is the deepest reason why conjugal love requires inviolable fidelity? (CCC 1647) The deepest reason why conjugal love requires inviolable fidelity is found in the fidelity of God to His covenant which the spouses represent through the sacrament of Matrimony.
1661. What can be done if in a marriage living together becomes practically impossible? (CCC 1649) If in a marriage living together becomes practically impossible, the Church permits the physical separation of the couple and their living apart.
The spouses do not cease to be husband and wife before God and so are not free to contract a new union.
1662. Why can divorced and civilly remarried people not receive the Holy Eucharist? (CCC 1650) Divorced and civilly remarried people cannot receive the Holy Eucharist, because they live in adultery (Mk 10).
1663. In what does marriage find its crowning glory according to Gaudium et Spes 48? (CCC 1652) According to Gaudium et Spes 48 marriage finds its crowning glory in the procreation and education of offspring.
Gaudium et Spes is a Vatican II document, the Pastoral Constitution on the Church in the Modern World.
1664. To what does the fruitfulness of conjugal love extend? (CCC 1653) The fruitfulness of conjugal love extends to the fruits of the moral, spiritual and supernatural life that parents hand on to their children by education.
1665. Who are the principal and first educators of the children? (CCC 1653) The parents are the principal and first educators of their children.
1666. How can spouses that cannot have children live a conjugal life full of meaning? (CCC 1654) Spouses that cannot have children can live a conjugal life full of meaning through:
1. fruitfulness of charity
2. hospitality
3. sacrifice.
1667. What is the domestic Church? (CCC 1656) The domestic Church is the Christian family.
1668. How is the priesthood of the baptised exercised in a privileged way in the family? (CCC 1657) The priesthood of the baptised is exercised in a privileged way in the family by:
1. the reception of the sacraments
2. prayer and thanksgiving
3. the witness of a holy life
4. self-denial and active charity.
1669. Why is no one without a family in this world? (CCC 1658) No one is without a family in this word, because the Church is a home and family for everyone.
1670. What is the Pauline locus classicus on marriage? (CCC 1659) The Pauline locus classicus on marriage is Eph 5.
1671. Who has founded the marriage covenant and endowed it with its own special laws? (CCC 1660) God the Creator has founded the marriage covenant and endowed it with its own special laws.
1672. What does the sacrament of Matrimony signify? (CCC 1661) The sacrament of Matrimony signifies the union of Christ and the Church.
1673. How do the spouses contract a marriage? (CCC 1662) The spouses contract a marriage by consent.
1674. Why is it fitting that the celebration of marriage be public? (CCC 1663) It is fitting that the celebration of marriage be public, because marriage establishes the couple in a public state of life.
1675. What are the three essential goods of marriage? (CCC 1664) The three essential goods of marriage are:
1. faithfulness
2. fertility
3. indissolubility.
1676. What is an unlawful remarriage? (CCC 1665) A unlawful remarriage is a second marriage of a person divorced from a living, lawful spouse.
1677. Why is the family rightly called “domestic church”? (CCC 1666) The family is rightly called “domestic church”, because it is where children receive their first instruction in the Faith.
1678. What is a sacramental? (CCC 1667) A sacramental is a sacred sign, resembling a sacrament and instituted, as a rule, by the Church.
1679. What are the two effects of the sacramentals? (CCC 1667) The two effects of the sacramentals are:
1. to dispose men for receiving grace, especially through the sacraments
2. to render holy various occasions in life.
1680. By whom are the sacramentals instituted? (CCC 1667) The sacramentals are, as a rule, instituted by the Church.
The sacraments are instituted by Christ.
1681. How are the effects signified by the sacramentals obtained? (CCC 1667) The effects signified by the sacramentals are obtained through the intercession of the Church.
The effects of the sacraments are obtained by the very fact of their being performed (Latin: ex opere operato).
1682. What realities are sanctified by sacramentals? (CCC 1668) The following realities are sanctified (= blessed) by sacramentals:
1. certain ecclesial ministries and states of life (e.g. blessing of an abbot)
2. various circumstances in Christian life (e.g. blessing of a house)
3. the use of many things helpful to man (e.g. blessing of a car).
1683. How are blessings in the context of sacramentals performed? (CCC 1668) Blessings in the context of sacramentals are performed by (1) a prayer usually accompanied by (2) a specific sign (sign of the cross, sprinkling of Holy Water, laying on of hands).
1684. By whom are the sacramentals administered? (CCC 1669) The sacramentals are administered:
1. some by all the faithful (e.g. the mother blessing her child with Holy Water)
2. some by the clergy only (e.g. the priestly blessing).
The more a blessing concerns ecclesial and sacramental life, the more is its administration reserved to the clergy.
1685. How do the sacramentals differ in their effect from the sacraments? (CCC 1670) The sacramentals differ in their effect from the sacraments as they do not confer grace in the way the sacraments do but prepare the faithful to receive the grace of the sacraments and dispose them to cooperate with it.
1686. What are the four forms of sacramentals? (CCC 1671-1673) The four forms of sacramentals are:
1. ceremonies associated with the sacraments
2. blessings and consecrations outside the sacraments
3. the religious use of blessed and consecrated objects
4. the blessed and consecrated objects themselves.
1687. Which are the most important among the sacramentals? (CCC 1671) The most important among the sacramentals are blessings of persons, meals, objects, places and animals.
1688. Which blessings that are sacramentals have a lasting importance? (CCC 1672) The blessings that are sacramentals and have a lasting importance are those who:
1. consecrate persons to God
2. reserve objects and places for liturgical use.
1689. Which sacramentals have a lasting importance for persons? (CCC 1672) The sacramentals which have a lasting importance for persons are:
1. the blessing of the abbot or abbess of a monastery
2. the consecration of virgins and widows
3. the rite of religious profession
4. the blessing of certain ministries of the Church.
1690. Which sacramentals have a lasting importance for things? (CCC 1672) The sacramentals which have a lasting importance for things are:
1. the dedication of a church
2. the blessing of an altar
3. the blessing of holy oils, vessels, vestments, bells (etc.).
1691. What is an exorcism? (CCC 1673) An exorcism is a blessing by which the Church asks publicly and authoritatively in Christ’s name that a person or object be protected against the power of the Devil and withdrawn from his dominion.
1692. In what does popular piety consist? (CCC 1674) Popular piety consists in various forms of devotion expressed by the faithful and surrounding the sacramental life of the Church.
1693. Which are the most important expressions of popular piety? (CCC 1674) The most important expressions of popular piety are:
1. the veneration of relics
2. visits to sanctuaries
3. pilgrimages
4. particular devotions to saints.
1694. Why is popular piety connected to the liturgical life of the Church? (CCC 1675) Popular piety is connected to the liturgical life of the Church, because it extends this life, is derived from it and leads the faithful to it.
1695. What are sacramentals? (CCC 1677) Sacramentals are sacred signs (things or actions) instituted by the Church in order:
1. to dispose men to receive grace
2. to sanctify different circumstances of life.
1696. Which are the most important among the sacramentals? (CCC 1678) The most important among the sacramentals are the blessings.
1697. By what is Christian life nourished apart from the Liturgy? (CCC 1679) Apart from the Liturgy Christian life is nourished by various forms of popular piety.
1698. What is the ultimate goal of the sacraments? (CCC 1680) The ultimate goal of all the sacraments is to prepare the Christian for a good death that leads him to eternal life.
1699. What is the Christians’ last Passover? (CCC 1681) The Christian’s last Passover is his dying in God’s grace which leads him to eternal glory.
1700. When does the sacramental life of the faithful end? (CCC 1682) The sacramental life of the faithful ends at death.
1701. When does the Church offer the faithful departed to the mercy of God? (CCC 1683) The Church offers the faithful departed to the mercy of God in the Eucharistic sacrifice of the funeral Mass.
1702. What is the aim of the Christian funeral? (CCC 1684) The aim of the Christian funeral is:
1. to constitute a communion in prayer with the deceased
2. to have the faithful participate in that communion
3. to proclaim eternal life to the faithful.
1703. How many forms for the celebration of funerals are there in the Roman Liturgy? (CCC 1686) In the Roman Liturgy there are three forms for the celebration of funerals.
These three forms correspond to the three places in which funerals are conducted (home, church, cemetery).
1704. What are the four principal elements in the celebration of funerals? (CCC 1687-1690) The four principal elements in the celebration of funerals are:
1. the liturgical greeting of the faithful
2. the Liturgy of the Word
3. the Eucharistic Sacrifice
4. the commendation of the faithful departed to God.
1705. How is the farewell to the deceased expressed in the Byzantine tradition? (CCC 1690) The farewell to the deceased is expressed in the Byzantine tradition by the kiss of farewell to the deceased.
1706. What is the aim of Christian moral catechesis? (CCC 1692) The aim of Christian moral catechesis is to help the Christian to lead a life worthy of the gospel of Christ.
1707. What two things make the Christian capable of leading a life in Christ? (CCC 1692) The two things that make the Christian capable of leading a life in Christ are:
1. the grace of Christ
2. the gifts of the Holy Spirit.
1708. How are the grace of Christ and the gifts of the Holy Spirit received? (CCC 1692) The grace of Christ and the gifts of the Holy Spirit are received through the sacraments and through prayer.
1709. Why are the moral decisions of the Christian important? (CCC 1696) The moral decisions of the Christian are important, because they matter for our salvation.
1710. Why is Christian moral catechesis a catechesis of the Holy Spirit? (CCC 1697) Christian moral catechesis is a catechesis of the Holy Spirit, because the Spirit is the interior Master of Christian life who inspires, guides, corrects and strengthens this life.
1711. Why is Christian moral catechesis a catechesis of grace? (CCC 1697) Christian moral catechesis is a catechesis of grace, because it is by grace that:
1. we are saved
2. our works can bear fruit for eternal life.
1712. Why is Christian moral catechesis a catechesis of the beatitudes? (CCC 1697) Christian moral catechesis is a catechesis of the beatitudes, because the way of Christ is summed up in the beatitudes (Mt 5).
1713. Why is Christian moral catechesis a catechesis of sin and forgiveness? (CCC 1697) Christian moral catechesis is a catechesis of sin and forgiveness, because:
1. to acknowledge sin is to know the truth about man which is a condition for acting justly
2. without the offer of forgiveness man would be unable to bear the truth of his sinfulness.
1714. Why is Christian moral catechesis a catechesis of human virtues? (CCC 1697) Christian moral catechesis is a catechesis of human virtues, because it causes one to grasp the beauty of right dispositions toward goodness.
1715. Why is Christian moral catechesis an ecclesial catechesis? (CCC 1697) Christian moral catechesis is an ecclesial catechesis, because it is through the manifold exchanges of spiritual goods in the Church that Christian life can grow, develop and be communicated.
1716. Why is Christ the first and last point of reference of Christian moral catechesis? (CCC 1698) Christ is the first and last point of reference of Christian moral catechesis, because He is the way, the truth and the life (Jn 14).
1717. What are the two parts of spiritual life? (CCC 1699) The two parts of spiritual life are:
1. to love God
2. to love one’s neighbour.
1718. In what is the dignity of the human person rooted? (CCC 1700) The dignity of the human person is rooted in man’s creation in the image and likeness of God.
1719. Where is the dignity of the human person fulfilled? (CCC 1700) The dignity of the human person is fulfilled in his vocation to divine beatitude.
1720. How is the dignity of the human person fulfilled on the part of man? (CCC 1700) The dignity of the human person is fulfilled on the part of man through:
1. performing free human acts
2. conforming to moral conscience
3. growing in virtue
4. avoiding sin.
1721. Who is “the image of the invisible God” according to St Paul? (CCC 1701) According to St Paul, Christ is the “image of the invisible God” (Col 1).
1722. Where can the divine image be found among mankind? (CCC 1702) The divine image can be found among mankind:
1. in every man
2. in the communion of persons.
1723. How does man participate in the light and power of the divine Spirit? (CCC 1704) Man participates in the light and power of the divine Spirit by:
1. his reason: through which he can understand the order of created things
2. his free will: through which he can direct himself toward his true good.
Reason and will form the higher part of the human soul.
1724. What does GS 17 call an “outstanding manifestation of the divine image”? (CCC 1705) Gaudium et Spes 17 calls human freedom “an outstanding manifestation of the divine image”.
Gaudium et Spes is a Vatican II document, the Pastoral Constitution on the Church in the Modern World.
1725. How does man recognize God’s voice which urges him to do good and avoid evil? (CCC 1706) By his reason, man recognizes God’s voice which urges him to do good and avoid evil.
1726. Why is man’s desire for the good impaired? (CCC 1707) Man’s desire for the good is impaired because his nature bears the wound of original sin and therefore is inclined to evil and subject to error.
1727. How can the damage caused in man by sin be repaired? (CCC 1708) The damage caused in man by sin can be repaired through Christ’s grace.
1728. Who makes man fully manifest to himself? (CCC 1710) Christ makes man fully manifest to himself.
1729. How does man pursue his perfection? (CCC 1711) Man pursues his perfection in seeking and loving what is true and good.
1730. What in man is an outstanding manifestation of the divine image? (CCC 1712) In man, true freedom is an outstanding manifestation of the divine image.
1731. Where in man does the moral law make itself heard? (CCC 1713) The moral law makes itself heard in man’s conscience.
1732. Why is man subject to error and inclined to evil? (CCC 1714) Man is subject to error and inclined to evil, because he has been wounded in his nature by original sin.
1733. Where will the moral life reach its fulfilment? (CCC 1715) The moral life will reach its fulfilment in heaven.
1734. What are the Beatitudes? (CCC 1716) The Beatitudes are the eight blessings contained in Mt 5:3-12.
1735. What promises do the Beatitudes take up and fulfil? (CCC 1716) The Beatitudes take up and fulfil God’s promises from the time of Abraham on.
1736. What does the first Beatitude say? (CCC 1716) The first Beatitude says: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven.”
1737. In whose lives have the Beatitudes already begun? (CCC 1717) The Beatitudes have already begun in the lives of Our Lady and all the saints.
1738. Who has placed the natural desire for happiness in the human heart? (CCC 1718) God has placed the natural desire for happiness in the human heart.
1739. Why has God placed the natural desire for happiness in the human heart? (CCC 1718) God has placed the natural desire for happiness in the human heart in order to draw man to the One who alone can fulfil it.
1740. To whom is the vocation to beatitude addressed? (CCC 1719) The vocation to beatitude is addressed:
1. to each individual personally
2. to the Church as a whole.
1741. How does St Augustine describe Christian beatitude in heaven? (CCC 1720) St Augustine († 430) describes Christian beatitude in heaven by saying: “There we shall rest and see, we shall see and love, we shall love and praise.”
1742. Why are we on earth? (CCC 1721) We are on earth to know God, love Him and serve Him and so to come to paradise.
1743. Why is Christian beatitude supernatural? (CCC 1722) Christian beatitude is supernatural, because it is an entirely gratuitous gift of God.
1744. How do the Beatitudes determine our moral choices? (CCC 1723) The Beatitudes determine our moral choices by inviting us:
1. to purify our hearts of bad instincts
2. to seek the love of God above all else.
1745. What are the most important biblical texts regarding moral life? (CCC 1724) The most important biblical texts regarding moral life are:
1. the Decalogue (Ex 20, Dt 5)
2. the Sermon on the Mount (Mt 5-7)
3. the moral catechesis of St Paul (Rom 12-15, 1 Cor 12-13, Col 3-4, Eph 4-5).
1746. What promises do the Beatitudes take up and fulfil? (CCC 1725) The Beatitudes take up and fulfil God’s promises from the time of Abraham on.
1747. What do the Beatitudes teach us? (CCC 1726) The Beatitudes teach us the final end to which God calls us.
1748. How are we led to the beatitude of eternal life? (CCC 1727) We are led to the beatitude of eternal life by the grace of God.
1749. How do the Beatitudes determine our moral choices? (CCC 1728) The Beatitudes determine our moral choices by inviting us:
1. to purify our hearts of bad instincts and
2. to seek the love of God above all else.
1750. Why does the Beatitude of heaven set the standards for the use of earthly goods? (CCC 1729) The Beatitude of heaven sets the standards for the use of earthly goods, because the earthly goods must serve to reach the heavenly beatitude.
1751. Why does God want man to be free? (CCC 1730) God wants man to be free so that man:
1. might of his own accord seek his Creator
2. might freely attain his perfection by cleaving to Him.
1752. What is freedom? (CCC 1731) Freedom is the power, rooted in reason and will, to act or not to act, to do this or that and so to perform deliberate actions on one’s own responsibility.
Reason and will form the higher part of the human soul.
1753. When does human freedom attain its perfection? (CCC 1731) Human freedom attains its perfection when directed toward God.
1754. How long is there a possibility that man may fall into evil? (CCC 1732) There is a possibility that man may fall into evil as long as his freedom has not bound itself definitively to its ultimate good which is God.
The latter is the case only in heaven.
1755. How does freedom grow? (CCC 1733) Freedom grows by doing what is good.
1756. Why is the choice to do evil an abuse of freedom? (CCC 1733) The choice to do evil is an abuse of freedom, because it destroys it and leads to the slavery of sin.
1757. To what extend is man responsible for his acts? (CCC 1734) Man is responsible for his acts to the extent that they are voluntary.
1758. How can responsibility for an action be diminished or nullified? (CCC 1735) Responsibility for an action can be diminished or nullified by ignorance, duress, fear, inordinate attachments and other psychological or social factors.
1759. What act is imputable to its author? (CCC 1736) An act directly willed is imputable to its author.
1760. When is an action indirectly voluntary? (CCC 1736) An action is indirectly voluntary when it results from negligence regarding something one should have known or done.
1761. When is a bad effect of a directly willed action not imputable? (CCC 1737) A bad effect of a directly willed action is not imputable if it was not willed either as an end of an action or as a means of an action.
1762. When is a bad effect of a directly willed action imputable? (CCC 1737) A bad effect of a directly willed action is imputable under two conditions:
1. it was foreseeable
2. it was avoidable.
1763. What is “the right to the exercise of freedom”? (CCC 1738) “The right to the exercise of freedom” is the claim of every human person to be recognized by others as a free and responsible being especially in moral and religious matters.
1764. What follows from the abuse of human freedom in the economy of salvation? (CCC 1739) From the abuse of human freedom in the economy of salvation follows a multitude of sins.
1765. How does man violate his freedom? (CCC 1740) Man violates his freedom by deviating from the moral law.
1766. Why is the salvation wrought by Christ the source of our freedom? (CCC 1741) The salvation wrought by Christ is the source of our freedom, because through it Christ:
1. has liberated us from the bondage of sin
2. has given us the truth that makes us free
3. lets us glory in the liberty of the children of God.
1767. Why is Christ’s grace not a rival of human freedom? (CCC 1742) Christ’s grace is not a rival of human freedom, because the promptings of grace, on the contrary, make us grow in freedom.
1768. Why did God will that man should be left in the hand of his own counsel? (CCC 1743) God willed that man should be left in the hand of his own counsel so that man might of his own accord seek his creator and cleave to Him.
1769. What is freedom? (CCC 1744) Freedom is the power to act or not to act.
1770. Why does freedom characterize human acts? (CCC 1745) Freedom characterizes human acts, because only man’s free acts belong truly to him.
1771. How can responsibility for an action be diminished or nullified? (CCC 1746) Responsibility for an action can be diminished or nullified by ignorance, duress, fear, inordinate attachments and other psychological or social factors.
1772. Of what is the right to the exercise of freedom an inalienable requirement? (CCC 1747) The right to the exercise of freedom is an inalienable requirement of the dignity of man.
1773. What is the famous word on Christian freedom in Gal 5? (CCC 1748) The famous word on Christian freedom in Gal 5 is: “For freedom Christ has set us free.”
1774. What is a “human act”? (CCC 1749) A “human act” (actus humanus) is an act freely chosen in consequence of a judgment of conscience.
A human act can be morally evaluated as either good or evil.
1775. What are the three sources of morality of human acts? (CCC 1750) The three sources of morality of human acts, are:
1. the object chosen
2. the intention
3. the circumstances of the action.
1776. What is the object chosen of a moral act? (CCC 1751) The object chosen of a moral act is the finis operis (Latin: end/ aim of the act): the end resulting from the nature of an act.
E.g. specific human acts can result in: giving alms, reading, building, singing, murdering (etc.).
1777. What is the intention of a moral act? (CCC 1752) The intention of a moral act is the finis operantis (Latin: end/ aim of the acting subject): the interior reason why the acting subject is performing a certain moral act.
E.g. one can give alms to be seen by people, to help one’s neighbour and/ or to express one’s love for God (etc.).
1778. Why can a good intention not make evil behaviour good or just? (CCC 1753) A good intention cannot make evil behaviour good or just, because the end does not justify the means.
1779. What are the circumstances of a moral act? (CCC 1754) The circumstances of a moral act are elements that “stand around” the action and increase or diminish its moral goodness or evil without changing the moral quality of acts themselves.
E.g. the amount stolen, the kind of people helped, the degree of danger overcome (etc.).
1780. What does an act require to be morally good? (CCC 1755) In order to be morally good, an act requires the goodness of all three sources:
1. the object
2. the intention
3. the circumstances.
1781. Why can the object chosen by itself vitiate an act in its entirety? (CCC 1755-1756) The object chosen can by itself vitiate an act in its entirety, because there are acts which, in and of themselves, independently of circumstances and intentions, are always gravely illicit by reason of their object (= finis operis).
E.g.: fornication, blasphemy, perjury, murder, adultery (etc.).
1782. What are the three sources of morality of human acts? (CCC 1757) The three sources of morality of human acts are:
1. the object chosen (end/ aim of the act)
2. the intention (end/ aim of the acting subject)
3. the circumstances.
1783. What specifies morally the act of the will? (CCC 1758) The object chosen morally specifies the act of the will accordingly as reason judges it good or evil.
1784. Can a good intention justify an evil act? (CCC 1759) No, a good intention cannot justify an evil act (= object chosen).
1785. What does an act require to be morally good? (CCC 1760) To be morally good an act requires the goodness of its object, of its end and of its circumstances together.
1786. Why are there acts that it is always wrong to choose? (CCC 1761) There are acts that it is always wrong to choose, because their choice always entails a moral evil.
1787. How can passions or feelings help one toward Beatitude? (CCC 1762) Passions or feelings can help toward Beatitude by:
1. disposing man to it
2. contributing to it.
1788. What is a passion or a feeling? (CCC 1763) A passion or a feeling is a movement of the sensitive appetite, meaning, a human inclination in which the senses participate.
The sensitive appetites constitute the soul’s lower faculties
1789. How do the passions affect man? (CCC 1763) The passions affect man by inclining him to act or not to act in regard to something felt or imagined to be good or evil.
1790. Where are the passions rooted? (CCC 1764) The passions are rooted in man’s soul.
1791. What is the most fundamental passion? (CCC 1765) The most fundamental passion is love.
1792. How is love aroused? (CCC 1765) Love is aroused by the attraction of the good.
1793. What does love cause in man? (CCC 1765) Love causes in man:
1. a desire for the absent good
2. the hope of obtaining it.
1794. Wherein does the movement of love find completion? (CCC 1765) The movement of love finds completion in the pleasure and joy of the good possessed.
1795. What is “to love” according to St Thomas Aquinas? (CCC 1766) According to St Thomas Aquinas († 1274) “to love” is “to will the good of another”.
1796. How do passions become morally qualified? (CCC 1767) Passions become morally qualified if they effectively engage reason and will.
1797. Are passions in themselves good or evil? (CCC 1767) Passions are in themselves neither good nor evil.
1798. When are passions said to be voluntary? (CCC 1767) Passions are said to be voluntary when either they are commanded by the will or the will does not place obstacles in their way.
1799. How does a passion become morally good? (CCC 1768) A passion becomes morally good when the upright will appropriates it and orders it to the good.
1800. How does a passion become morally evil? (CCC 1768) A passion becomes morally evil when an evil will succumbs to it and exacerbates it.
1801. Why are passions and feelings important in spiritual life? (CCC 1769) Passions and feelings are important in spiritual life, because the Holy Spirit accomplishes His work in man by mobilizing the whole human being, including ordered passions and feelings.
1802. In what does moral perfection consist? (CCC 1770) Moral perfection consists in man’s being moved to the good not by his will alone, but also by his sensitive appetite (= passions, feelings).
1803. What does the term “passions” mean? (CCC 1771) The term “passions” means human affections or feelings.
1804. What are the seven principal passions? (CCC 1772) The seven principal passions are: (1) love, (2) hatred, (3) desire, (4) fear, (5) joy, (6) sadness and (7) anger.
1805. Under what condition is moral good or evil in the passions? (CCC 1773) Moral good or evil is in the passions under the condition that they engage reason and will.
1806. How can emotions and feelings be taken up or be perverted? (CCC 1774) Emotions and feelings can be taken up in the virtues or perverted in the vices.
1807. In what does moral perfection consist? (CCC 1775) Moral perfection consists in man’s being moved to the good not by his will alone, but also by his sensitive appetite. (= passions, feelings).
1808. How does Gaudium et Spes 16 call the conscience? (CCC 1776) Gaudium et Spes 16 calls the conscience “man’s most secret core and his sanctuary”.
Gaudium et Spes is a Vatican II document, the Pastoral Constitution on the Church in the Modern World.
1809. What is the judgment of conscience? (CCC 1777) The judgment of conscience is the activity by which the moral conscience either:
1. enjoins a person at the appropriate moment to do good and to avoid evil or
2. judges particular choices, approving the good ones and denouncing the evil ones.
1810. Why is conscience a judgment of reason? (CCC 1778) Conscience is a judgment of reason, because through it man recognizes the moral quality of a concrete act present, past or future.
1811. What is required to hear and follow the voice of conscience? (CCC 1779) Interiority (= being present to oneself) is required to hear and follow the voice of conscience.
1812. What three parts does conscience include? (CCC 1780) Conscience includes the following three parts:
1. synderesis: the perception of the principles of morality
2. the practical application of the principles of morality
3. judgment about concrete acts yet to be performed or already performed.
1813. How does conscience enable the sinner to assume responsibility for his sins? (CCC 1781) Conscience enables the sinner to assume responsibility for his sins by allowing the just judgment to remain in the sinner at the same time as the evil of his particular choice.
1814. What two rights does man have regarding his moral conscience? (CCC 1782) Regarding his moral conscience man has the two rights:
1. not to be forced to act contrary to it
2. not to be prevented from acting according to it.
1815. Why is the formation of conscience indispensable? (CCC 1783) The formation of conscience is indispensable, because men are tempted to prefer their own judgment and to reject authoritative teachings.
1816. How is moral conscience formed? (CCC 1785) Moral conscience is formed by:
1. the Word of God
2. the regular examination of our conscience
3. the gifts of the Holy Spirit
4. the witness or advice of others
5. the authoritative teaching of the Church.
1817. What does it mean to choose in accord with conscience? (CCC 1786) To choose in accord with conscience means to make a right judgment in accordance with human reason and the divine law.
1818. What three rules apply in every judgment of conscience? (CCC 1789) The three rules that apply in every judgment of conscience are:
1. One may never do evil so that good may result from it.
2. Whatever you wish that men would do to you, do so to them.
3. Always proceed by way of respect for your neighbour and his conscience.
Respect for your neighbour and his conscience aims at avoiding anything that makes your brother stumble.
1819. What causes the moral conscience to make erroneous judgments? (CCC 1790) Ignorance causes the moral conscience to make erroneous judgments.
1820. How is vincible ignorance of the moral conscience caused? (CCC 1791) Vincible ignorance of the moral conscience is caused when:
1. a man takes little trouble to find out what is true and good
2. conscience is by degrees almost blinded through the habit of sinning.
In the case of “vincible ignorance” the person is culpable for the evil he commits.
1821. What is invincible ignorance of the moral conscience? (CCC 1793) Invincible ignorance of the moral conscience is an ignorance for which a moral subject is in no way responsible so that the evil committed cannot be imputed to him.
1822. What is the moral conscience? (CCC 1795) The moral conscience is man’s most secret core where man is alone with God whose voice echoes in his depths.
1823. What does man recognize by the judgment of conscience? (CCC 1796) By the judgment of conscience man recognizes the moral quality of a concrete act.
1824. What pledge does every verdict of conscience contain for the one who has committed a sin? (CCC 1797) For the one who has committed a sin every verdict of conscience contains a pledge of conversion and hope.
1825. How does a well-formed conscience formulate its judgments? (CCC 1798) A well-formed conscience formulates its judgments according to reason, in conformity with the true good willed by God.
1826. In what case does conscience make a right judgment? (CCC 1799) Conscience makes a right judgment if it remains in accordance with:
1. reason
2. the divine law.
1827. Must a certain judgment of conscience always be obeyed? (CCC 1800) Yes, a certain judgment of conscience must always be obeyed.
1828. In which two ways can conscience fail? (CCC 1801) Conscience can fail through ignorance or erroneous judgment.
1829. How is moral conscience formed? (CCC 1802) Moral conscience is formed by:
1. the Word of God
2. the regular examination of our conscience
3. the gifts of the Holy Spirit
4. the witness or advice of others
5. the authoritative teaching of the Church.
1830. What is a virtue? (CCC 1803) A virtue is an habitual and firm disposition (= attitude) of intellect and will to do the good.
1831. What is the goal of a virtuous life? (CCC 1803) The goal of a virtuous life is to become like God.
1832. From which virtues are the human virtues distinguished? (CCC 1804) The human virtues are distinguished from the theological virtues.
1833. How are human virtues acquired? (CCC 1804) Human virtues are acquired by human effort:
1. education
2. deliberate acts
3. perseverance in struggle.
Human virtues can also be called moral virtues.
1834. Which are the four cardinal virtues? (CCC 1805) The four cardinal virtues are: prudence, justice, fortitude and temperance.
A mnemonic for the four cardinal virtues is: These four please Jesus.
1835. Why are the four cardinal virtues called “cardinal”? (CCC 1805) The four cardinal virtues are called “cardinal”, because they play a cardinal (= pivotal) role among the other virtues which are grouped around them.
1836. What is prudence? (CCC 1806) Prudence is the moral virtue that disposes practical reason:
1. to discern our true good in every circumstance
2. to choose the right means of achieving it.
1837. What does St Thomas Aquinas call prudence? (CCC 1806) St Thomas Aquinas († 1274) calls prudence “right reason in action”.
1838. Prudence may be sometimes confused with what negative attitudes? (CCC 1806) Prudence may sometimes be confused with timidity, fear, duplicity or dissimulation.
1839. Why is prudence called the charioteer of the virtues? (CCC 1806) Prudence is called the charioteer of the virtues, because it guides the other virtues by setting rule and measure.
“Charioteer of the virtues” is in Latin: auriga virtutum.
1840. What is justice? (CCC 1807) Justice is the moral virtue that consists in the constant and firm will to give to God and neighbour their due.
1841. What is justice toward God called? (CCC 1807) Justice toward God is called the virtue of religion.
“Virtue of religion is in Latin: virtus religionis.
1842. To what does justice toward men dispose? (CCC 1807) Justice toward men disposes one:
1. to respect the rights of each
2. to establish among men the harmony that promotes equity.
1843. What is fortitude? (CCC 1808) Fortitude is the moral virtue that ensures:
1. firmness in difficulties
2. constancy in the pursuit of the good.
1844. What is temperance? (CCC 1809) Temperance is the moral virtue that:
1. moderates the attraction of pleasures
2. provides balance in the use of created goods.
1845. How according to St Augustine do the cardinal virtues allow one to love God? (CCC 1809) According to St Augustine († 430) the cardinal virtues allow one to love God in this way:
1. temperance keeps the love of God whole and uncorrupted
2. fortitude prevents it from being disturbed by misfortune
3. justice makes it obey only God
4. prudence prevents it from being surprised by deceit or trickery.
1846. How does grace influence human virtues? (CCC 1810) Grace influences human virtues by:
1. purifying them
2. elevating them.
1847. What are the three theological virtues? (CCC 1812-1813) The three theological virtues are faith, hope and charity.
1848. What is the task of the theological virtues? (CCC 1812) The task of the theological virtues is to adapt man’s faculties for participation in the divine nature.
1849. What is the origin, motive and object of the theological virtues? (CCC 1812) The origin, motive and object of the theological virtues is the One and Triune God.
1850. To what do the theological virtues dispose the faithful? (CCC 1812) The theological virtues dispose the faithful to live in a relationship with the Holy Trinity.
1851. How do the theological virtues affect the moral virtues? (CCC 1813) The theological virtues affect the moral virtues by:
1. bringing them about
2. giving life to them.
For “bringing about” the CCC uses the verb “to inform” in its medieval meaning.
1852. What is faith? (CCC 1814) Faith is the theological virtue by which we believe:
1. in God
2. all that He has said and revealed to us and that the Church proposes for our believe.
1853. What is faith without hope and charity? (CCC 1815) Faith without hope and charity is:
1. unable to fully unite the believer with Christ
2. unable to make the believer a living member of Christ’s Body.
1854. Why must the Christian not only keep but also profess his faith? (CCC 1816) The Christian must not only keep but also profess his faith because of Christ’s word: “Everyone who acknowledges me before men, I also will acknowledge before my Father who is in heaven; but whoever denies me before men, I also will deny before my Father who is in heaven” (Mt 10).
1855. What is hope? (CCC 1817) Hope is the theological virtue by which we desire:
1. the Kingdom of heaven
2. eternal life.
1856. To what human aspiration does the virtue of hope respond? (CCC 1818) The virtue of hope responds to the aspiration to happiness which God has placed in every man.
1857. What is the greatest example of hope in the Old Testament? (CCC 1819) The greatest example of hope in the Old Testament is the hope of Abraham.
1858. Where in the Bible does hope unfold from the beginning of Christ’s preaching? (CCC 1820) Hope unfolds from the beginning of Christ’s preaching in the beatitudes.
1859. How does Hebr 6 call hope? (CCC 1820) Hebr 6 calls hope a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul that enter where Jesus has gone as a forerunner on our behalf.
1860. What is charity? (CCC 1822) Charity is the theological virtue by which we love:
1. God above all things for His own sake
2. our neighbour as ourselves for the love of God.
1861. Where in the Bible does Christ make charity the new commandment? (CCC 1823) Christ makes charity the new commandment in Jn 13: “I give you a new commandment, that you love one another.”
1862. Where does St Paul give an incomparable depiction of charity? (CCC 1825) St Paul gives an incomparable depiction of charity in 1 Cor 13.
“Charity is patient and kind, charity is not jealous or boastful; it is not arrogant or rude. Charity does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrong, but rejoices in the right. Charity bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.”
1863. Why does charity hold a special place among all the virtues? (CCC 1827) Charity holds a special place among all the virtues, because it is the source and the goal of their Christian practice.
1864. What are the three fruits of charity? (CCC 1829) The three fruits of charity are joy, peace and mercy.
1865. What are the gifts of the Holy Spirit? (CCC 1830) The gifts of the Holy Spirit are permanent dispositions which serve the believer:
1. to establish him in Faith, Hope and Charity
2. to render him prompt in exercising those acts of virtue necessary to attain Christian perfection.
1866. What are the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit? (CCC 1831) The seven gifts of the Holy Spirit are: (1) wisdom, (2) understanding, (3) counsel, (4) fortitude, (5) knowledge, (6) piety and (7) fear of the Lord.
The seven gifts of the Holy Spirit are listed in the Latin and Greek version of Is 11.
1867. What are the fruits of the Holy Spirit? (CCC 1832) The fruits of the Holy Spirit are perfections that the Holy Spirit forms in the faithful as the first fruits of eternal glory.
1868. Which are the twelve fruits of the Holy Spirit? (CCC 1832) The twelve fruits of the Holy Spirit are: (1) charity, (2) joy, (3) peace, (4) patience, (5) kindness, (6) goodness, (7) generosity, (8) gentleness, (9) faithfulness, (10) modesty, (11) self-control, (12) chastity.
1869. What is a virtue? (CCC 1833) A virtue is an habitual and firm disposition to do good.
1870. Which are the four cardinal virtues? (CCC 1834) The four cardinal virtues are: prudence, justice, fortitude and temperance.
1871. What is prudence? (CCC 1835) Prudence is the cardinal virtue that disposes the practical reason:
1. to discern our true good
2. to choose the right means for achieving it.
1872. What is justice? (CCC 1836) Justice is the cardinal virtue that consists in the firm and constant will to give God and neighbour each their due.
1873. What is fortitude? (CCC 1837) Fortitude is the cardinal virtue that ensures:
1. firmness in difficulties
2. constancy in the pursuit of the good.
1874. What is temperance? (CCC 1838) Temperance is the cardinal virtue that:
1. moderates the attraction of the pleasures of the senses
2. provides balance in the use of created goods.
1875. How are the human virtues acquired? (CCC 1839) The human virtues are acquired by human effort:
1. education
2. deliberate acts
3. perseverance in struggle.
1876. What is the effect of the theological virtues? (CCC 1840) The effect of the theological virtues is to dispose Christians to live in a relationship with the Holy Trinity.
1877. Which are the three theological virtues? (CCC 1841) The three theological virtues are faith, hope and charity.
1878. What is faith? (CCC 1842) Faith is the theological virtue by which we believe:
1. in God
2. all that He has revealed to us and that the Church proposes for our belief.
1879. What is hope? (CCC 1843) Hope is the theological virtue by which we desire:
1. the Kingdom of heaven
2. eternal life.
1880. What is the theological virtue of charity? (CCC 1844) The theological virtue of charity is the disposition by which we love:
1. God above all things
2. our neighbour as ourselves for love of God.
1881. What are the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit? (CCC 1845) The seven gifts of the Holy Spirit are wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety and fear of the Lord.
1882. Why does the name “Jesus” reveal God’s mercy to sinners? (CCC 1846) The name “Jesus” reveals God’s mercy to sinners, because it means “the one who saves” (from sins).
1883. Why can God when He casts a light on sin be compared to a physician? (CCC 1848) When He casts a light on sin God can be compared to a physician, because like a physician He probes the wound (= sin) before treating it.
1884. What definition of sin does St Augustine give? (CCC 1849) St Augustine († 430) gives the following definition of sin: [sin is] an utterance, a deed or a desire contrary to the eternal law.
1885. To what is the self-exaltation of sin diametrically opposed? (CCC 1850) The self-exaltation of sin is diametrically opposed to the obedience of Christ.
1886. How can sins be classified? (CCC 1853) Sins can be classified according to:
1. their object: e.g. stealing, murdering, lying
2. the virtues they oppose
3. the commandments they violate
4. the other person they involve: God, neighbour, oneself
5. their nature: spiritual or carnal sins
6. the ways in which they are committed: thought, word, deed or omission.
1887. Where does Scripture distinguish between mortal and venial sin? (CCC 1854) Scripture distinguishes between mortal and venial sin in 1 Jn 5.
1888. How does mortal sin affect the theological virtue of charity in the soul of man? (CCC 1855) Mortal sin effects the theological virtue of charity by destroying it in the soul of man.
1889. How does venial sin affect the theological virtue of charity in the soul of man? (CCC 1855) Venial sin affects the theological virtue of charity by wounding it in the soul of man without destroying it.
1890. How is conversion after a mortal sin normally accomplished? (CCC 1856) Conversion after a mortal sin is normally accomplished within Confession.
1891. What three conditions must be met for a sin to be mortal? (CCC 1857) For a sin to be mortal, the following conditions must be met:
1. the sin’s object must be grave matter
2. the sin must be committed with full knowledge
3. the sin must be committed with complete consent.
1892. What is “grave matter” (materia gravis)? (CCC 1858) Grave matter is the matter specified by the Ten Commandments.
1893. How can the voluntary and free character of an offence be diminished? (CCC 1860) The voluntary and free character of an offence can be diminished by:
1. unintentional ignorance
2. the promptings of feelings and passions
3. external pressures
4. pathological disorders.
1894. When must a sin be considered especially grave? (CCC 1860) A sin must be considered especially grave when it is committed through malice, by a deliberate choice of evil.
1895. In what does mortal sin result? (CCC 1861) Mortal sin results in:
1. the loss of charity
2. the privation of sanctifying grace
3. the eternal death of hell (if it is not redeemed).
1896. Under what circumstances is a venial sin committed? (CCC 1862) A venial sin is committed:
1. in a light matter: when the standards of the moral law are not observed
2. in a grave matter: when the knowledge is not full or without complete consent.
1897. What are the consequences of venial sin? (CCC 1863) The consequences of venial sin are:
1. a weakening of charity
2. an impeding of the soul’s progress in sanctity
3. the meriting of temporal punishment
4. an increasing disposition toward mortal sin.
Venial sin does not deprive the sinner of eternal happiness.
1898. What is the blasphemy against the Spirit that will not be forgiven? (CCC 1864) The blasphemy against the Spirit that will not be forgiven is the deliberate refusal to accept God’s mercy by repenting.
1899. What is the reason for the proliferation of sin? (CCC 1865) The reason for the proliferation of sin is the fact that sin engenders vice and thus tends to reproduce and reinforce itself.
1900. What is a vice? (CCC 1865) A vice is a perverse inclination toward a particular sin and is engendered by the repetition of sins.
1901. How can vices be classified? (CCC 1866) Vices can be classified:
1. according to the virtues they oppose
2. according to the capital sins to which they are linked.
1902. What are the seven capital sins? (CCC 1866) The seven capital sins are: pride, avarice, envy, wrath, lust, gluttony and spiritual sloth (acedia).
The name “capital” sins indicates that these sins engender other sins and vices.
1903. What are the five sins that cry to heaven for vengeance? (CCC 1867) The five sins that cry to heaven for vengeance are:
1. the blood of Abel
2. the sin of the Sodomites
3. the cry of the people oppressed in Egypt
4. the cry of the foreigner, the widow and the orphan
5. the injustice to the wage earner.
1904. When does one have a responsibility for the sins committed by others? (CCC 1868) One has a responsibility for the sins committed by others when one cooperates in them by:
1. participating directly and voluntarily in them
2. ordering, advising, praising or approving them
3. not disclosing or not hindering them when there is an obligation to do so
4. protecting evil-doers.
1905. What are “structures of sin”? (CCC 1869) “Structures of sin” are social situations and institutions that are contrary to the divine goodness.
1906. Why has God consigned all men to disobedience? (CCC 1870) God has consigned all men to disobedience, that He may have mercy upon all.
1907. What is a sin? (CCC 1871) A sin is an utterance, a deed or a desire contrary to the eternal law.
1908. How does original sin influence human nature? (CCC 1872) Original sin influences human nature by wounding it.
1909. How are the kinds and the gravity of sins determined principally? (CCC 1873) The kinds and the gravity of sins are determined principally by their objects.
1910. What is a mortal sin? (CCC 1874) A mortal sin is an act gravely contrary to the divine law performed with full knowledge and will.
1911. What is a venial sin? (CCC 1875) A venial sin is an act that constitutes a moral disorder, which yet allows charity to subsist in us.
1912. How are vices engendered? (CCC 1876) Vices are engendered by the repetition of sins.
1913. What is the vocation of humanity? (CCC 1877) The vocation of humanity is:
1. to show forth the image of God
2. to be transformed into the image of the Father’s only Son.
1914. In what does the communal character of the human vocation consist? (CCC 1878) The communal character of the human vocation consists in the fact that:
1. all men are called to the same end
2. men are bound to establish a fraternity among themselves.
1915. Why does man need to live in society? (CCC 1879) Man needs to live in society in order to develop in accordance with his nature.
1916. What is a society? (CCC 1880) A society is a group of persons bound together organically by a principle of unity that goes beyond each one of them.
1917. What is the principle, the subject and the end of all social institutions? (CCC 1881) The principle, the subject and the end of all social institutions is the human person.
1918. What is socialisation? (CCC 1882) Socialisation is the creation of voluntary associations and institutions to promote the participation of the greatest number in the life of a society according to the natural tendency for human beings to associate with one another for the sake of attaining objectives that exceed individual capacities.
1919. What is the principle of subsidiarity? (CCC 1883) The principle of subsidiarity is a teaching according to which a community of a higher order should not interfere in the internal life of a community of a lower order, depriving the latter of its functions, but rather should support it in case of need.
1920. How does God let His creature participate in His power? (CCC 1884) God lets His creature participate in His power by entrusting to every creature the functions it is capable of performing.
1921. Why is the principle of subsidiarity opposed to all forms of collectivism? (CCC 1885) The principle of subsidiarity is opposed to all forms of collectivism, because it sets limits for state intervention.
1922. Why are conversion and society related? (CCC 1886) Conversion and society are related, because society must primarily be considered something pertaining to the spiritual that inspires men to seek spiritual values.
1923. What is the cause of unjust structures in society? (CCC 1887) The cause of unjust structures in society is the inversion of means and ends so that means become ends and ends become means.
1924. Why is an appeal to inner conversion needed so as to obtain real social changes? (CCC 1888) An appeal to inner conversion is needed so as to obtain real social changes, because only the spiritual and moral capacities of the human person can bring them about.
1925. What are the two extremes to be avoided when uprooting evil from society? (CCC 1889) When uprooting evil from society the two extremes to be avoided are:
1. the cowardice which gives in to evil
2. the violence which under the illusion of fighting evil only makes it worse.
1926. What is the greatest social commandment? (CCC 1889) The greatest social commandment is charity.
1927. Why is charity the greatest social commandment? (CCC 1889) Charity is the greatest social commandment, because it:
1. respects others and their rights
2. requires the practice of justice and makes one capable of it
3. inspires a life of self-giving.
1928. Why can human society take an example from the Trinity? (CCC 1890) Human society can take an example from the Trinity, because there is a certain resemblance between the unity of the Divine Persons and the fraternity that men ought to establish among themselves.
1929. Why does man need to live in society? (CCC 1891) Man needs to live in society in order to develop in accordance with his nature.
1930. What is the principle, the subject and the end of every social organization? (CCC 1892) The principle, the subject and the end of every social organization is the human person.
1931. What attitude should be taken toward the participation in voluntary associations and institutions? (CCC 1893) The attitude to be taken toward the participation in voluntary associations and institutions should be one of encouragement.
1932. How does the principle of subsidiarity restrain the state and other larger societies? (CCC 1894) The principle of subsidiarity restrains the state and other larger societies by stating that they should not substitute themselves for the responsibility of individuals and intermediary bodies.
1933. How ought society to relate to virtues and values? (CCC 1895) Society ought to promote the exercise of virtue and be animated by a just hierarchy of values.
1934. What must one do where sin has perverted the social climate? (CCC 1896) Where sin has perverted the social climate, one must call for the conversion of hearts and appeal to the grace of God.
1935. What is “authority”? (CCC 1897) “Authority” is the quality by virtue of which persons or institutions make laws and give orders to men and expect obedience from them.
1936. What is the role of authority? (CCC 1898) The role of authority is to ensure as far as possible the common good of a human community.
1937. Whence derives the authority required by the moral order? (CCC 1899) The authority required by the moral order derives from God.
1938. What is the New Testament locus classicus on the authority of the state? (CCC 1899) The New Testament locus classicus on the authority of the state is Rom 13: “Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God (etc.).”
1939. Who has provided the Church’s most ancient prayer for political authorities? (CCC 1900) Pope St Clement of Rome († around 100) has provided the Church’s most ancient prayer for political authorities.
“Grant to them, Lord, health, peace, concord and stability, so that they may exercise without offence the sovereignty that you have given them (etc.).”
1940. Whence is the authority of rulers derived? (CCC 1901) The authority of rulers is derived from God.
1941. Does the divine derivation of the rulers’ authority imply only one acceptable form of government? (CCC 1901) No, the divine derivation of the ruler’s authority does not imply only one acceptable form of government, but each people is free to choose how its rulers are appointed.
1942. Under what condition is the diversity of political regimes morally acceptable? (CCC 1901) The diversity of political regimes is morally acceptable under the condition that they serve the legitimate good of the communities that adopt them.
1943. Which regimes are morally unacceptable? (CCC 1901) Those regimes are morally unacceptable whose nature is contrary to the natural law, to the public order and to the fundamental rights of persons.
1944. When is a law an unjust law according to St Thomas Aquinas? (CCC 1902) According to St Thomas Aquinas († 1274) a law is an unjust law if it does not accord with right reason.
1945. When only is authority exercised legitimately? (CCC 1903) Authority is exercised legitimately only when it:
1. seeks the common good of the group concerned
2. employs morally licit means to attain it.
1946. What is the ‘rule of law’? (CCC 1904) The ‘rule of law’ is when in a state sovereignty is held by the law and not by the arbitrary will of men.
1947. What is the common good? (CCC 1906) The common good is the sum total of social conditions which allow people, groups as well as individuals, to reach their fulfilment more completely and more easily.
The common good is called in Latin: bonum commune.
1948. Of which three essential elements does the common good consist? (CCC 1907-1909) The common good consists of:
1. respect for the person
2. social well-being and development
3. peace and security of the group and of its members.
1949. In what does “respect for the person” consist? (CCC 1907) “Respect for the person” consists in safeguarding the exercise of the natural freedoms indispensable for man’s development.
1950. In what do “social well-being and development” consist? (CCC 1908) “Social well-being and development” consist in making accessible to each what is needed to lead a truly human life.
Such goods are: food, clothing, health, work, education, culture, suitable information, the right to establish a family (etc.).
1951. How is peace defined? (CCC 1909) Peace is defined as the stability and security of a just order.
1952. Whose role is it to defend and promote the common good of civil society? (CCC 1910) It is the role of the state to defend and promote the common good of civil society.
1953. What does the universal common good call for? (CCC 1911) The universal common good calls for an organization of the community of nations able to provide for the needs of men involving the sphere of social life: questions of food, hygiene, education, refugees and migrants.
The universal common good is the sum total of social conditions of the community of nations.
1954. On what is the “order of persons” founded? (CCC 1912) The “order of persons” is founded on truth, built up in justice and animated by love.
The “order of things” must be subordinate to the “order of persons”.
1955. What is social “participation”? (CCC 1913) Social “participation” is the voluntary and generous engagement of a person in social interchange.
1956. How is social participation achieved first of all? (CCC 1914) Social participation is achieved first of all by taking charge of those areas for which one assumes personal responsibility.
E.g. by the care taken for the education of one’s family, by conscientious work.
1957. By whom have the existing authorities been instituted? (CCC 1918) The existing authorities have been instituted by God.
1958. Why does every human community need an authority? (CCC 1919) Every human community needs an authority so that it may endure and develop.
1959. Why do the political community and public authority belong to an order established by God? (CCC 1920) The political community and public authority belong to an order established by God, because they are based on human nature.
1960. When is authority exercised legitimately? (CCC 1921) Authority is exercised legitimately if it is committed to the common good of society.
1961. Under what condition is the diversity of political regimes legitimate? (CCC 1922) The diversity of political regimes is legitimate under the condition that they contribute to the good of the community.
1962. In which limits must political authority be exercised? (CCC 1923) Political authority must be exercised within the limits of the moral order.
1963. What is the common good? (CCC 1924) The common good is the sum total of social conditions which allow people, either as groups or as individuals, to reach their fulfilment more completely and more easily.
1964. Of which three essential elements does the common good consist? (CCC 1925) The common good consists of:
1. respect for the person
2. social well-being and development
3. peace and security of the group and of its members.
1965. What requires the pursuit of the common good? (CCC 1926) The dignity of the human person requires the pursuit of the common good.
1966. Whose role is it to defend and promote the common good of civil society? (CCC 1927) It is the state’s role to defend and promote the common good of civil society.
1967. How does society ensure social justice? (CCC 1928) Society ensures social justice by providing the conditions that allow associations or individuals to obtain what is their due.
1968. Why is respect for the human person needed in order to obtain social justice? (CCC 1929) Respect for the human person is needed to obtain social justice, because the person represents the ultimate end of society, which is ordered to him.
1969. Why must society recognize the rights of the human person? (CCC 1930) Society must recognize the rights of the human person, because they flow from his dignity as a creature and are prior to society.
1970. How does respect for the human person proceed practically? (CCC 1931) Respect for the human person proceeds practically by way of respect for the principle that everyone should look upon his neighbour as “another self”.
1971. Why is there equality among all men regarding their origin and end? (CCC 1934) There is equality among all men regarding their origin and end, because:
1. all men have the same nature and the same origin in God
2. all men are called to participate in the same divine beatitude.
1972. On what does the equality of men essentially rest? (CCC 1935) The equality of men rests essentially on their dignity as persons and the rights that flow from it.
1973. Why did God distribute His gifts unequally, according to St Catherine of Siena? (CCC 1937) According to St Catherine of Siena († 1380), God says that He distributed His gifts unequally so that one should need another.
1974. What is ‘human solidarity’? (CCC 1939) ‘Human solidarity’ is friendship or social charity.
1975. How is human solidarity manifested in the first place? (CCC 1940) Human solidarity is manifested in the first place by:
1. the distribution of goods
2. remuneration for work.
1976. Where does Christ show that solidarity goes beyond material goods? (CCC 1942) Christ shows that solidarity goes beyond material goods when He says: “Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness and all these things shall be yours as well” (Mt 6).
1977. How does society ensure social justice? (CCC 1943) Society ensures social justice by providing the conditions that allow associations and individuals to obtain their due.
1978. How does respect for the human person consider one’s neighbour? (CCC 1944) Respect for the human person considers one’s neighbour as “another self”.
1979. What does the equality of men concern? (CCC 1945) The equality of men concerns:
1. their dignity as persons
2. the rights that flow from it.
1980. Why does God will the differences among persons? (CCC 1946) God wills the differences among persons so that they should need one another.
1981. Why should excessive social and economic inequalities be reduced? (CCC 1947) Excessive social and economic inequalities should be reduced because of the equal dignity of human persons.
1982. Why is solidarity an eminently Christian virtue? (CCC 1948) Solidarity is an eminently Christian virtue, because it practices the sharing of spiritual goods even more than material ones.
1983. In what two ways does divine help come to the sinner? (CCC 1949) Divine help comes to the sinner:
1. through the law that guides him
2. through the grace that sustains him.
1984. What is law? (CCC 1951) Law is a rule of conduct enacted by competent authority for the sake of the common good.
1985. What rational order does the moral law presuppose? (CCC 1951) The moral law presupposes the rational order, established by the Creator among creatures for their good and to serve their final end.
1986. By whom is the law declared and established? (CCC 1951) The law is declared and established by reason as a participation in divine providence.
1987. Where does the moral law find expression? (CCC 1952) The moral law finds expression in:
1. the eternal law
2. the natural law
3. the revealed law
4. the civil law
5. the ecclesiastical law.
1988. What is the eternal law? (CCC 1952) The eternal law is the divine source of all law.
1989. What does the revealed law comprise? (CCC 1952) The revealed law comprises the Old Law and the New Law.
1990. Who is the end and goal of the law according to Rom 10? (CCC 1953) According to Rom 10 Christ is the end and goal of the law.
Rom 10:4: For Christ is the end of the law unto righteousness for everyone who believes.
1991. What is the natural moral law? (CCC 1954) The natural moral law is human reason ordaining man to do good and to avoid evil.
The “natural moral law” is usually called the “natural law”.
1992. Why does the moral command of human reason have the force of law? (CCC 1954) The moral command of human reason has the force of law, because it is the voice and interpreter of a higher reason to which our spirit and our freedom must be submitted.
1993. What precepts does the natural law state? (CCC 1955) The natural law states the first and essential precepts which govern the moral life.
These precepts command to do good and to avoid evil.
1994. Where are the principal precepts of the natural law stated? (CCC 1955) The principal precepts of the natural law are stated in the Decalogue.
1995. Why is the natural law called ‘natural’? (CCC 1955) The natural law is called ‘natural’, because reason which decrees it properly belongs to human nature.
Natural law is not called ‘natural’ in reference to the nature of irrational beings.
1996. How does St Thomas Aquinas define the natural law? (CCC 1955) St Thomas Aquinas († 1274) defines the natural law as the light of understanding placed in us by God at the creation through which we know what we must do and what we must avoid.
1997. To whom does the natural law extend? (CCC 1956) The natural law extends to all men, because it is universal.
1998. Why does natural law not change according to places, times and circumstances? (CCC 1958) Natural law does not change according to places, times and circumstances, because it is immutable and permanent.
1999. For which systems of rules is natural law the foundation? (CCC 1959) Natural law is the foundation for:
1. the moral rules to guide human choices
2. the law for building the human community
3. the civil law.
2000. What does the sinner need so as to adequately perceive the precepts of natural law? (CCC 1960) The sinner needs grace and revelation so as to adequately perceive the precepts of natural law.
2001. What is the Old Law? (CCC 1961) The Old Law are the divine commands contained in the Old Testament.
2002. Where are the moral prescriptions of the Old Law summed up? (CCC 1962) The moral prescriptions of the Old Law are summed up in the Ten Commandments (Decalogue).
2003. Why is the Law of Moses holy, spiritual and good but still imperfect? (CCC 1963) The Law of Moses is holy, spiritual and good but still imperfect, because it shows what must be done, but does not of itself give the strength (grace) to fulfil it.
2004. Why is the Law of Moses a law of bondage? (CCC 1963) The Law of Moses is a law of bondage because of sin, which it cannot remove.
2005. What is the special function of the Law of Moses according to St Paul? (CCC 1963) According to St Paul, the special function of the Law of Moses is to denounce and disclose sin.
2006. Why is the Law of Moses a step on the way to the Kingdom of God? (CCC 1963) The Law of Moses is a step on the way to the Kingdom of God because it prepares and disposes the chosen people and each Christian for conversion and faith in the Saviour God.
2007. Why is the Law of Moses a preparation for the Gospel? (CCC 1964) The Law of Moses is a preparation for the Gospel, because:
1. it prophesies the time when Christ will bring full liberation from sin
2. it provides the New Testament with symbols for expressing the life of grace.
2008. By which writings is the Law of Moses completed? (CCC 1964) The Law of Moses is completed by the sapiential books and the prophets.
2009. What is the New Law? (CCC 1965-1968) The New Law is:
1. the grace of the Holy Spirit received in Baptism
2. the law expressed in the Gospels especially in the Sermon on the Mount (Mt 5-7).
2010. Where in the Bible is the New Law particularly expressed? (CCC 1965) The New Law is particularly expressed in the Sermon on the Mount (Mt 5-7).
2011. How does the New Law become the interior law of charity? (CCC 1965) Through the Holy Spirit poured in our hearts the New Law becomes the interior law of charity.
Jer 31: “I will put my laws into their minds and write them on their hearts.”
2012. Why does the New Law use the Sermon on the Mount? (CCC 1966) The New Law uses the Sermon on the Mount (Mt 5-7), in order to teach the faithful what must be done.
2013. How does the New Law fulfil the Old Law? (CCC 1967) The New Law fulfils the Old Law by refining, surpassing and leading it to its perfection.
2014. How does the New Law practice the acts of religion? (CCC 1969) The New Law practices the acts of religion - almsgiving, prayer and fasting - by directing them to the Father who sees in secret.
2015. Where is the entire New Law contained? (CCC 1970) The entire New Law is contained in the “new commandment” of Christ, to love one another as he has loved us.
2016. What are the four most important moral catechesis in the letters of St Paul? (CCC 1971) The four most important catechesis in the letters of St Paul are:
1. Romans 12-15
2. 1 Corinthians 12-13
3. Colossians 3-4
4. Ephesians 4-5.
2017. Why is the New Law called a law of love? (CCC 1972) The New Law is called a law of love, because it makes us act out of the love infused by the Holy Spirit rather than from fear.
2018. Why is the New Law called a law of grace? (CCC 1972) The New Law is called a law of grace, because it confers the strength of grace to act, by means of faith and the sacraments.
2019. Why is the New Law called a law of freedom? (CCC 1972) The New Law is called a law of freedom, because it sets us free from the ritual and juridical observances of the Old Law.
2020. What is the difference between God’s precepts and the evangelical counsels? (CCC 1973) The difference between God’s precepts and the evangelical counsels is that God’s precepts are intended to remove whatever is incompatible with charity, while the evangelical counsels aim at removing whatever might hinder the development of charity, even if it is not contrary to it.
2021. What is the Law of Moses? (CCC 1975) The Law of Moses is a fatherly instruction by God which prescribes the ways that lead to beatitude and proscribes the ways of evil.
2022. What is law according to St Thomas Aquinas? (CCC 1976) According to St Thomas Aquinas († 1274), law is an ordinance of reason for the common good, promulgated by the one who is in charge of the community.
2023. Who is the end of the law? (CCC 1977) Christ is the end of the law.
2024. What is the natural law? (CCC 1978) The natural law is human reason ordaining man to do good and to avoid evil.
2025. Does the natural law ever change? (CCC 1979) No, the natural law is immutable, permanent throughout history.
2026. What is the Old Law? (CCC 1980) The Old Law are the divine commands contained in the Old Testament.
2027. Why did God reveal in the Law of Moses many truths that are naturally accessible to reason? (CCC 1981) God revealed in the Law of Moses many truths that are naturally accessible to reason, because men did not read them in their hearts.
2028. How is the Old Law related to the Gospel? (CCC 1982) The Old Law is related to the Gospel as preparation for it.
2029. What is the New Law? (CCC 1983) The New Law is:
1. the grace of the Holy Spirit received through Baptism
2. the law expressed in the Gospels especially in the Sermon on the Mount (Mt 5-7).
2030. How does the New Law fulfil the Old Law? (CCC 1984) The New Law fulfils the Old Law by surpassing it and bringing it to perfection.
2031. What are the three most important titles for the New Law? (CCC 1985) The three most important titles for the New Law are:
1. law of love
2. law of grace
3. law of freedom.
2032. What else does the New Law include besides its precepts? (CCC 1986) Besides its precepts the New Law includes the evangelical counsels.
2033. What are the two parts of justification worked in us by the Holy Spirit? (CCC 1987) The two parts of justification worked in us by the Holy Spirit are:
1. to cleans the sinner from his sin
2. to communicate to him the righteousness of God through faith and Baptism.
2034. What is the first work the Holy Spirit works in the sinner? (CCC 1989) The first work the Holy Spirit works in the sinner is conversion effecting justification.
2035. How does the Council of Trent define justification? (CCC 1989) The Council of Trent defines justification as:
1. the remission of sins
2. the sanctification and renewal of the inner man.
The Council of Trent (AD 1545-63) followed the Reformation. It rejected Protestantism and reinforced orthodoxy.
2036. What is the first thing justification effects in man? (CCC 1990) The first thing justification effects in man is to detach him from sin.
Remission of sins is the point of departure of justification.
2037. What is granted to the sinner by justification? (CCC 1991) By justification to the sinner are granted:
1. God’s righteousness
2. faith, hope and charity
3. obedience to the divine will.
2038. How has justification been merited for us? (CCC 1992) Justification has been merited for us by the Passion of Christ.
2039. Through which sacrament is justification conferred? (CCC 1992) Justification is conferred through the sacrament of Baptism.
2040. How is the cooperation between God’s grace and man’s freedom expressed? (CCC 1993) The cooperation between God’s grace and man’s freedom is expressed:
1. by man’s assent of faith
2. by the prompting of the Holy Spirit who precedes and preserves his assent.
2041. Why is justification greater than creation according to St Augustine? (CCC 1994) According to St Augustine († 430) justification is greater than creation, because creation will pass away while the justification and salvation of the elect will not pass away.
2042. Why does justification entail the sanctification of man’s whole being? (CCC 1995) Justification entails the sanctification of man’s whole being, because it gives birth to the “inner man”.
2043. What is grace? (CCC 1996) Grace is favour, the free and undeserved help that God gives to those who respond to His call to become His children.
2044. How does grace make the faithful participate in the life of God? (CCC 1997) Grace makes the faithful participate in the life of God by introducing them into the intimacy of Trinitarian life.
2045. Why is the vocation to eternal life supernatural? (CCC 1998) The vocation to eternal life is supernatural, because it depends entirely on God’s gratuitous initiative and surpasses the power of human intellect and will.
2046. Which grace do the faithful receive in Baptism? (CCC 1999) The faithful receive in Baptism the sanctifying or deifying grace.
2047. What is sanctifying grace? (CCC 1999-2000) Sanctifying grace is:
1. an habitual gift
2. a supernatural disposition that enables the soul to live with God.
2048. From which graces is sanctifying grace distinguished? (CCC 2000) Sanctifying grace is distinguished from actual graces.
2049. What is actual grace? (CCC 2000) Actual grace is God’s temporary intervention (help) through which He moves us to will and to do the supernatural good.
2050. Whose work is the preparation of man for the reception of grace? (CCC 2001) The preparation of man for the reception of grace is a work of grace.
2051. What human reaction does God’s free initiative toward man demand? (CCC 2002) God’s free initiative toward man demands man’s free response.
2052. What are sacramental graces? (CCC 2003) Sacramental graces are gifts proper to the seven sacraments.
2053. What is a charism? (CCC 2003) A charism is a special grace by which the Holy Spirit enables the faithful to undertake various tasks and offices for the benefit of others, especially the Church, but also for men and the world.
E.g. gifts of healing or the gift of tongues.
2054. To what group of graces do the graces of state belong? (CCC 2004) The graces of state belong to the special graces.
2055. What are the graces of state? (CCC 2004) The graces of state are graces that accompany the exercise of the responsibilities of the Christian life (e.g. marriage) and of the ministries within the Church (ordination).
2056. Why can grace be known only by faith? (CCC 2005) Grace can be known only by faith, because it belongs to the supernatural order and thus escapes our experience.
2057. Can we rely on our feelings or our works to conclude that we are saved? (CCC 2005) No, we cannot rely on our feelings or our works to conclude that we are saved.
2058. What reflection offers us a guarantee that grace is at work in us? (CCC 2005) Reflection on God’s blessings in our life and in the lives of the saints offers us a guarantee that grace is at work in us.
2059. What did St Joan of Arc answer when asked whether she was in God’s grace? (CCC 2005) When asked whether she was in God’s grace, St Joan of Arc († 1431) answered: “If I am not, may it please God to put me in it; if I am, may it please God to keep me there.”
2060. What is a merit? (CCC 2006) A merit is a recompense owed.
2061. Does God owe us something because of our merits? (CCC 2007) In a strict sense God does not owe us something because of our merits.
2062. Whence does the merit of the faithful before God arise? (CCC 2008) The merit of the faithful before God arises from the fact that God has freely chosen to associate man with the work of His grace.
2063. Why can the initial grace of forgiveness and justification not be merited? (CCC 2010) The initial grace of forgiveness and justification cannot be merited, because in the order of grace the initiative belongs to God.
2064. When can we begin to merit the graces needed for the attainment of eternal life? (CCC 2010) We can begin to merit the graces needed for the attainment of eternal life once we are baptised.
2065. For whom can we merit the graces needed for the attainment of eternal life? (CCC 2010) We can merit the graces needed for the attainment of eternal life:
1. for ourselves
2. for others.
2066. What can we merit from God? (CCC 2010) We can merit from God:
1. the increase of sanctifying grace
2. eternal life and the increase of the glory in heaven
3. temporal goods (e.g. health, friendship).
2067. What is the source of all our merits before God? (CCC 2011) The source of all our merits before God is charity.
2068. What does Lumen Gentium 40 call Christian holiness? (CCC 2013) Lumen Gentium 40 calls Christian holiness the perfection of charity.
Lumen Gentium is a Vatican II document, the Apostolic Constitution on the Church.
2069. Why is the union of the faithful with Christ called “mystical”? (CCC 2014) The union of the faithful with Christ is called “mystical”, because the faithful participate in this union through the sacraments, which are the holy mysteries.
2070. Why is there no holiness without renunciation and spiritual battle? (CCC 2015) There is no holiness without renunciation and spiritual battle, because the way of perfection passes by way of the Cross.
2071. Regarding the end of their lives Christians hope for what? (CCC 2016) Regarding the end of their lives Christians hope for:
1. the grace of final perseverance
2. the recompense of God.
2072. What confers upon the faithful the righteousness of God? (CCC 2017) The grace of the Holy Spirit confers upon the faithful the righteousness of God.
2073. What two movements are required for justification? (CCC 2018) The two movements required for justification are:
1. a movement by which man is turned to God
2. a movement by which man is turned by God from the state of sin.
2074. What are the two parts of justification? (CCC 2019) The two parts of justification are:
1. the remission of sins
2. the sanctification and renewal of the inner man.
2075. What is the goal of justification? (CCC 2020) The goal of justification is:
1. the glory of God
2. the gift of eternal life.
2076. What is grace? (CCC 2021) Grace is the help God gives us to respond to our vocation of becoming His adopted sons.
2077. What does the divine initiative in the work of grace do? (CCC 2022) The divine initiative in the work of grace precedes, prepares and elicits the free response of man.
2078. What is sanctifying grace? (CCC 2023) Sanctifying grace is the gratuitous gift of His life that God, by the Holy Spirit, infuses into the soul to heal and sanctify it.
2079. How does sanctifying grace establish our relationship with God? (CCC 2024) Sanctifying grace establishes our relationship to God by making us pleasing to Him.
2080. Why only can we have merit in God’s sight? (CCC 2025) We can have merit in God’s sight only because of God’s free plan to associate man with the work of His grace.
2081. What is the principal source of merit in us before God? (CCC 2026) Charity is in us the principal source of merit before God.
2082. What can we merit and what not? (CCC 2027) We can merit for ourselves and for others all the graces needed to attain eternal life, as well as necessary temporal goods, but no one can merit the initial grace which is at the origin of conversion.
2083. What is the fullness of Christian life? (CCC 2028) The fullness of Christian life is the perfection of charity.
2084. What must the believer do according to Mt 16 in order to follow Christ? (CCC 2029) According to Mt 16 the believer in order to follow Christ must:
1. deny himself
2. take up his cross
3. go after Christ.
2085. From whom do the faithful learn the example of holiness? (CCC 2030) The faithful learn the example of holiness from the Church.
2086. How does Rom 12 connect the moral life and the spiritual worship? (CCC 2031) Rom 12 connects the moral life and the spiritual worship in the exhortation to present our bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God.
2087. Why does the Magisterium have a right to teach on moral matters? (CCC 2032) The Magisterium has a right to teach on moral matters, because it has received Christ’s command to announce the saving truth to which moral issues belong.
The Magisterium is the teaching office of the Church.
2088. Where is the Magisterium of the bishops in moral matters exercised ordinarily? (CCC 2033) The Magisterium of the bishops in moral matters is ordinarily exercised in catechesis and preaching.
2089. Which texts have been at the basis of the moral catechesis of the Magisterium? (CCC 2033) The texts which have been at the basis of the moral catechesis of the Magisterium are:
1. the Creed
2. the Our Father
3. the Decalogue.
2090. What does it mean that the pope and the bishops are “authentic teachers”? (CCC 2034) That the pope and the bishops are “authentic teachers” means that they teach with Christ’s authority.
2091. What do the pope and the bishops teach with Christ’s authority? (CCC 2034) The pope and the bishops teach with Christ’s authority:
1. the truth to believe
2. the charity to practice
3. the beatitude to hope for.
2092. What is the supreme degree of participation in Christ’s teaching authority? (CCC 2035) The supreme degree of participation in the authority of Christ is the charism of infallibility.
The charism of infallibility is the competence of the Magisterium to propose a doctrine for belief as being divinely revealed.
2093. How far does the infallibility of the Magisterium extend? (CCC 2035-2036) The infallibility of the Magisterium extends:
1. as far as does the deposit of divine Revelation
2. to all doctrinal and moral elements, essential for preserving, explaining or observing the faith
3. to the specific precepts of the natural law.
2094. Why do the faithful have a right to be instructed in the divine saving precepts? (CCC 2037) The faithful have a right to be instructed in the divine saving precepts, because these precepts are the way of life and truth.
2095. Are the faithful bound by the decrees conveyed by the authority of the Church? (CCC 2037) Yes, the faithful are bound by the decrees conveyed by the authority of the Church.
2096. What does the Church need to teach and apply Christian morality? (CCC 2038) To teach and apply Christian morality the Church needs:
1. the dedication of pastors
2. the knowledge of theologians
3. the contribution of all the faithful of good will.
2097. How can the believer avoid confining himself to individualistic considerations? (CCC 2039) The believer can avoid confining himself to individualistic considerations by taking account of the good of all, as expressed in the law of the Church and in the authoritative teaching of the Magisterium on moral questions.
2098. What kind of attitude should the faithful harbour toward the Church? (CCC 2040) The faithful should harbour toward the Church a true filial spirit.
2099. What are the “five precepts of the Church”? (CCC 2041-2043) The five precepts of the Church are:
1. You shall attend Mass on Sundays and on holy days of obligation and rest from servile labour.
2. You shall confess your sins at least once a year.
3. You shall receive the sacrament of the Eucharist at least during the Easter season.
4. You shall observe the days of fasting and abstinence established by the Church.
5. You shall help to provide for the needs of the Church.
2100. Why are the Christian’s moral life and missionary witness connected? (CCC 2044) The Christian’s moral life and missionary witness are connected, because the message of salvation can only show its power if it be authenticated by the witness of the Christian life.
2101. How do all the faithful contribute to building up the Church? (CCC 2045) All the faithful contribute to building up the Church by:
1. the constancy of their faith
2. the sanctity of their moral lives.
2102. Where does Christian moral life find its nourishment? (CCC 2047) Christian moral life finds its nourishment in the celebration of the sacraments.
2103. What do the precepts of the Church concern? (CCC 2048) The precepts of the Church concern the moral and Christian life.
2104. When is the Magisterium of the Pastors of the Church exercised ordinarily? (CCC 2049) The Magisterium of the Pastors of the Church is exercised ordinarily in catechesis and preaching.
2105. Which fields does the authentic Magisterium of pope and bishops concern? (CCC 2050) The authentic Magisterium of pope and bishops concerns faith and morals.
2106. To which elements of doctrine does the infallibility of the Magisterium extend? (CCC 2051) The infallibility of the Magisterium extends to all the elements of dogmatic and moral doctrine without which the saving truths of the Faith cannot be preserved, expounded or observed.
2107. What does Christ say to the young man who asks: “What must I do”? (CCC 2052-2053) To the young man who asks “What must I do?” Christ says:
1. to look at God as the source of all good
2. to keep the commandments
3. to live in poverty and chastity.
2108. What is the greatest commandment in the Law? (CCC 2055) The greatest commandment in the Law is: You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and all your soul and all your mind and your neighbour as yourself.
2109. What does “Decalogue” mean literally? (CCC 2056) “Decalogue” means literally “ten words”.
2110. Where did God reveal the Decalogue? (CCC 2056) God revealed the Decalogue on the holy mountain Sinai.
2111. Where is the Decalogue found in the Bible? (CCC 2056) The Decalogue is found in the Bible in:
1. Exodus 20
2. Deuteronomy 5.
2112. Where is the full meaning of the Decalogue revealed? (CCC 2056) The full meaning of the Decalogue is revealed in Jesus Christ.
2113. What is the original context of the Decalogue? (CCC 2057) The original context of the Decalogue is the Exodus of the People of God from Egypt.
2114. What are the two tables called on which the Decalogue was written? (CCC 2058) The two tablets on which the Decalogue was written are called “the Testimony”.
2115. Where were the tablets of the Testimony deposited? (CCC 2058) The tablets of the Testimony were deposited in the ark of the covenant.
2116. In the midst of what did God pronounce the Decalogue to Moses? (CCC 2059) God pronounced the Decalogue to Moses in the midst of a theophany.
A theophany is an apparition of God.
2117. Which events surround the granting of the Decalogue? (CCC 2060) The events surrounding the granting of the Decalogue are:
1. preceding: the proposal of the covenant
2. following: the conclusion of the covenant.
2118. How does God introduce Himself before pronouncing the Decalogue? (CCC 2061) God introduces Himself before pronouncing the Decalogue by saying: “I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery.”
2119. Where especially does the Church use the Decalogue? (CCC 2065) The Church uses the Decalogue especially in the catechesis of baptismal candidates and of the faithful.
2120. Who established the division of the Commandments used in the Church? (CCC 2066) St Augustine († 430) established the division of the Commandments used in the Church.
2121. How are the Ten Commandments divided? (CCC 2067) The Ten Commandments are divided in two groups:
1. 1-3 concerning the love of God
2. 4-10 concerning the love of neighbour.
This is the reason why the Decalogue was written on two tablets.
2122. What council said that the Ten Commandments are obligatory for the justified? (CCC 2068) The Council of Trent said that the Ten Commandments are obligatory for the justified.
The Council of Trent (AD 1545-63) followed the Reformation. It rejected Protestantism and reinforced orthodoxy.
2123. Why does transgressing one commandment mean to infringe all the others? (CCC 2069) Transgressing one commandment means to infringe all the others, because all the commandments form an organic unity.
Example: One cannot adore God without loving all men, His creatures.
2124. How does St Irenaeus define the Decalogue in terms of natural law? (CCC 2070) St Irenaeus († 200) defines the Decalogue as a reminder of the precepts of the natural law which God has implanted in the heart of man from the beginning.
The natural law is human reason ordaining man to do good and to avoid evil.
2125. Why has the Decalogue been revealed, although it is accessible to reason alone? (CCC 2071) Although it is accessible to reason alone, the Decalogue has been revealed, because in the state of sin human reason was obscured so that man needed a revelation in order to fully understand the requirements of the natural law.
The Decalogue is a privileged expression of the natural law.
2126. What does it mean that the Ten Commandments reveal grave obligations? (CCC 2072) That the Ten Commandments reveal grave obligations means that:
1. they are fundamentally immutable
2. they oblige always and everywhere
3. no one can dispense from them.
2127. What does Christ answer to the question: “What must I do to have eternal life”? (CCC 2075) To the questions “What must I do to have eternal life” Christ answers: “Keep the commandments.”
2128. How did Christ bear witness that the Decalogue is everlasting? (CCC 2076) By His life and by His preaching Christ bore witness that the Decalogue is everlasting.
2129. In which context is the Decalogue given? (CCC 2077) The Decalogue is given in the context of the Covenant.
2130. Following whom does the Church acknowledge the primordial importance of the Decalogue? (CCC 2078) The Church acknowledges the primordial importance of the Decalogue following the Scripture and Christ.
2131. Why does the transgression of one commandment infringe the others? (CCC 2079) The transgression of one commandment infringes the others, because the Decalogue forms an organic unity.
2132. What does the Decalogue contain in terms of natural law? (CCC 2080) In terms of natural law the Decalogue contains a privileged expression of it.
2133. What kind of obligations do the Ten Commandments set out? (CCC 2081) The Ten Commandments, in the things they primarily contain, set out grave obligations, but their keeping obliges in matters which are themselves trivial.
2134. How does God make possible the keeping of the commandments? (CCC 2082) God makes the keeping of the commandments possible by His grace.
2135. In what word of Scripture does Christ sum up man’s duties toward God? (CCC 2083) Christ sums up man’s duties toward God in the word of Scripture: “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind” (Mt 22, Deut 6).
2136. What is the first commandment? (CCC 2084) The first commandment is: “You shall worship the Lord your God and Him only shall you serve.”
2137. Why does the first commandment embrace faith, hope and charity? (CCC 2086) The first commandment embraces faith, hope and charity, because by saying ‘God’ we confess:
1. a faithful being in whom we must have complete faith
2. an infinitely beneficent being in whom we can place our hope
3. the source of goodness who deserves our love.
2138. What is the principle and explanation of all moral deviation? (CCC 2087) The principle and explanation of all moral deviation is ignorance of God.
2139. What attitude toward the Faith does the first commandment require from us? (CCC 2088) The first commandment requires us:
1. to nourish our faith
2. to reject everything that is opposed to it.
2140. What are the main ways of sinning against faith? (CCC 2088-2089) The main ways of sinning against faith are:
1. voluntary and involuntary doubt
2. incredulity
3. heresy, apostasy and schism.
2141. What is a voluntary doubt about the Faith? (CCC 2088) A voluntary doubt about the Faith is a doubt that disregards or refuses to hold as true what God has revealed and the Church proposes for belief.
2142. What is an involuntary doubt about the Faith? (CCC 2088) An involuntary doubt about the Faith is:
1. hesitation in believing
2. difficulty in overcoming objections connected with the Faith
3. anxiety aroused by the faith’s obscurity.
2143. What is incredulity? (CCC 2089) Incredulity is the neglect of revealed truth or the wilful refusal to assent to it.
2144. What is heresy? (CCC 2089) Heresy is the obstinate post-baptismal denial of some truth which must be believed with divine and catholic faith, or an obstinate doubt concerning the same.
2145. What is apostasy? (CCC 2089) Apostasy is the total repudiation of the Christian faith.
2146. What is schism? (CCC 2089) Schism is the refusal of submission to the Roman Pontiff or of communion with the members of the Church subject to him.
2147. Why does man need hope in his relation with God? (CCC 2090) Man needs hope in his relation with God, because he cannot fully respond to the divine love by his own powers and therefore must hope that God will give him the capacity to love Him.
2148. What does the theological virtue of hope fear? (CCC 2090) The theological virtue of hope fears to offend God’s love and to incur punishment.
2149. What are the two biggest sins against hope? (CCC 2091-2092) The two biggest sins against hope are despair and presumption.
2150. What is despair? (CCC 2091) Despair is the attitude by which man ceases to hope for his personal salvation from God, for help in attaining it or for the forgiveness of his sins.
2151. Why is despair a sin? (CCC 2091) Despair is a sin, because it is contrary to God’s goodness, to His justice and to His mercy.
2152. What are the two kinds of presumption? (CCC 2092) The two kinds of presumption are:
1. man’s false trust upon his own capacities
2. man’s false trust in God’s almighty power or mercy.
2153. What does the first commandment enjoin us regarding God’s love? (CCC 2093) The first commandment enjoins us regarding God’s love:
1. to love God above everything
2. to love all creatures for Him and because of Him.
2154. In which five ways can one sin against God’s love? (CCC 2094) One can sin against God’s love by:
1. indifference
2. ingratitude
3. lukewarmness
4. acedia (spiritual sloth)
5. hatred of God.
2155. How can one sin against God’s love by indifference? (CCC 2094) One can sin against God’s love by indifference through the neglect or refusal to reflect on divine charity.
2156. How can one sin against God’s love by ingratitude? (CCC 2094) One can sin against God’s love by ingratitude through failing or refusing to acknowledge divine charity and to return Him love for love.
2157. How can one sin against God’s love by lukewarmness? (CCC 2094) One can sin against God’s love by lukewarmness through hesitation or negligence in responding to divine love.
2158. How can one sin against God’s love by acedia? (CCC 2094) One can sin against God’s love by acedia (spiritual sloth) by refusing the joy that comes from God and by being repelled by divine goodness.
2159. How does the hatred of God manifest itself? (CCC 2094) The hatred of God manifests itself by:
1. denying God’s goodness
2. cursing God as the one who forbids sins and inflicts punishment.
2160. What is the “virtue of religion”? (CCC 2095) The “virtue of religion” is what disposes us to render to God the worship that we owe to Him in all justice.
2161. What is the first act of the virtue of religion? (CCC 2096) The first act of the virtue of religion is adoration.
Adoration is the first attitude of man acknowledging that he is a creature before his Creator.
2162. How are the acts of faith, hope and charity accomplished? (CCC 2098) The acts of faith, hope and charity are accomplished in prayer.
2163. What is a sacrifice according to St Augustine? (CCC 2099) According to St Augustine († 430) a sacrifice is an action done so as to cling to God in communion of holiness and thus achieve blessedness.
2164. For what purpose are sacrifices offered to God? (CCC 2099) Sacrifices are offered to God in order to express adoration, gratitude, supplication and communion.
2165. What is the only perfect sacrifice? (CCC 2100) The only perfect sacrifice is the one that Christ offered on the cross.
2166. What is a vow? (CCC 2102) A vow is a deliberate and free promise made to God concerning a possible and better good which must be fulfilled by reason of the virtue of religion.
2167. What are the most exemplary vows in the Church? (CCC 2103) The most exemplary vows in the Church are made by those who promise to practice the evangelical counsels.
2168. What is the duty of all men toward the truth? (CCC 2104) The duty of all men toward the truth is:
1. to seek it, especially in what concerns God and His Church
2. to embrace it
3. to hold on to it as they come to know it.
2169. How should those in error or ignorance with regard to the Faith be treated? (CCC 2104) Those in error or ignorance with regard to the Faith should be treated with love, prudence and patience.
2170. What is the “social duty of religion”? (CCC 2105) The “social duty of religion” is the obligation of offering God genuine worship which concerns man both individually and socially.
2171. What does the social duty of Christians require? (CCC 2105) The social duty of Christians requires:
1. to respect and awaken in each man the love of the true and the good
2. to make known the worship of the one true religion which is in the Church.
2172. Over what does the kingship of Christ extend? (CCC 2105) The kingship of Christ extends over:
1. all creation
2. human societies.
2173. Why may nobody be forced to act against his conscience in religious matters? (CCC 2106) Nobody may be forced to act against his conscience in religious matters because of the very nature of the human person, whose dignity enables him to assent freely to the divine truth.
2174. What does the right to religious liberty decree? (CCC 2108) The right to religious liberty decrees immunity, within just limits, from external constraint in religious matters by political authorities.
2175. With what should the right to religious liberty not be confused? (CCC 2108) The right to religious liberty should not be confused either with a moral license to adhere to error, or with a supposed right to error.
2176. How must the just limits inherent in the right to religious liberty be determined? (CCC 2109) The just limits inherent in the right to religious liberty must be determined by political prudence according to the requirements of the common good.
2177. What does the enjoinment “you shall have no other gods before me” forbid? (CCC 2110) The enjoinment “you shall have no other gods before me” forbids honouring gods other than the one Lord who has revealed Himself to His people.
2178. What is the sin of superstition? (CCC 2111) The sin of superstition is in some sense a perverse excess of religion and the deviation of religious feeling and of the practices this feeling imposes.
Superstition is manifested in idolatry, as well as in various forms of divination and magic.
2179. What is the sin of polytheism? (CCC 2112) The sin of polytheism is the false believe in many divinities other than the one true God.
2180. What is the sin of idolatry? (CCC 2113) The sin of idolatry is the divinizing of what is not God and thus the honouring of a creature in place of God.
2181. What is the sin of divination? (CCC 2116) The sin of divination is an attempt to unveil the future by different practices, among them the recourse to Satan, other demons or to the dead.
2182. What is the sin of magic or sorcery? (CCC 2117) The sin of magic or sorcery is an attempt to tame occult powers, so as to place them at one’s service.
2183. What are the main sins of irreligion? (CCC 2118) The main sins of irreligion are:
1. tempting God in words or deeds
2. sacrilege
3. simony.
2184. In what does tempting God consist? (CCC 2119) Tempting God consists in putting His goodness and almighty power to the test by word or deed.
2185. What is a sacrilege? (CCC 2120) A sacrilege is the profanation or unworthy treatment of the sacraments and other liturgical actions, as well as persons, things or places consecrated to God.
2186. What is simony? (CCC 2121) Simony is the buying or selling of spiritual things.
In Acts 8 Simon the Magician offers the apostles money in order to receive the power of the apostles.
2187. What is the sin of atheism? (CCC 2124) The sin of atheism is the rejection or denial of God.
2188. What is the sin of agnosticism? (CCC 2127) The sin of agnosticism is the belief either that God is incapable of revealing Himself or that it is impossible to prove or deny anything about Him.
2189. How does Deut 4 explain “you shall not make a graven image” of God? (CCC 2129) Deut 4 explains “you shall not make a graven image” of God with the fact that Moses saw no form when the Lord spoke to him on the mountain out of the midst of the fire.
2190. In the Old Testament what kind of images did God allow to be made? (CCC 2130) In the Old Testament, God allowed images to be made that pointed symbolically to salvation by the Incarnate Christ.
2191. What ecumenical council justified the veneration of icons? (CCC 2131) Nicaea II (AD 787) justified the veneration of icons.
2192. How does Nicaea II justify the veneration of icons? (CCC 2131) Nicaea II justifies the veneration of icons with the argument that by His Incarnation, Christ introduced a new economy of images.
2193. Why is the veneration of images not contrary to the first commandment? (CCC 2132) The veneration of images is not contrary to the first commandment, because the honour rendered to an image passes to its prototype.
2194. How are we to love God according to Deut 6? (CCC 2133) According to Deut 6 we are to love God with all our heart and with all our soul and with all our strength.
2195. To what does the first commandment summon man? (CCC 2134) The first commandment summons man to believe in God, to hope in Him and to love Him above all else.
2196. What is the virtue of religion? (CCC 2135) The virtue of religion is what disposes us to render to God the worship that we owe to Him in all justice.
2197. Whom does the duty to offer God true worship concern? (CCC 2136) The duty to offer God true worship concerns man both as an individual and as a social being.
2198. In what does religious liberty consist? (CCC 2137) Religious liberty consists in the possibility to profess religion freely in private and in public.
2199. What is superstition? (CCC 2138) Superstition is a departure from the true worship and manifests itself in idolatry, divination and magic.
2200. What are the main sins of irreligion? (CCC 2139) The main sins of irreligion are tempting God, sacrilege and simony.
2201. Why is atheism a sin against the first commandment? (CCC 2140) Atheism is a sin against the first commandment, because it rejects or denies the existence of God.
2202. Why is the veneration of sacred images not contrary to the first commandment? (CCC 2141) The veneration of sacred images is not contrary to the first commandment, because it is based on the mystery of the Incarnation of the Word of God.
2203. What is the second commandment? (CCC 2142) The second commandment is: “You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain.”
2204. To what virtue does it belong to respect the name of the Lord? (CCC 2142) It belongs to the virtue of religion to respect the name of the Lord.
2205. What part of human behaviour does the second commandment mainly govern? (CCC 2142) The second commandment governs mainly the use of speech in sacred matters.
2206. When only is man allowed to introduce God’s name in his speech? (CCC 2143) Man is only allowed to introduce God’s name in his speech to bless, praise and glorify it.
2207. What does it mean to fear God’s name according to Cardinal Newman? (CCC 2144) According to Cardinal Newman to fear God’s name means to realize that He is present.
2208. What is the sin of blasphemy? (CCC 2148) The sin of blasphemy is to utter against God - inwardly or outwardly - words of hatred, reproach or defiance.
2209. Why does “you shall not take the name of the Lord in vain” forbid false oaths? (CCC 2150) “You shall not take the name of the Lord in vain” forbids false oaths, because every oath engages the name of the Lord and a false oath calls on God to be witness to a lie.
2210. What is the sin of perjury? (CCC 2152) The sin of perjury is a promise made under oath with no intention of keeping it or a promise made under oath which later is not kept.
2211. What proves that Mt 5 “Do not swear” does not exclude swearing as such? (CCC 2154) The fact that St Paul in his letters calls on God as witness proves that Mt 5 “Do not swear” does not exclude swearing as such.
2 Cor 1,23: “I call on God as witness upon my soul.”
2212. When is the Christian name received? (CCC 2156) The Christian name is received in Baptism.
2213. What is the function of a patron saint? (CCC 2156) The function of a patron saint is to provide:
1. an intercessor
2. a model of charity.
2214. Which Baptismal names should be avoided? (CCC 2156) Baptismal names that are foreign to Christian sentiment should be avoided.
2215. How does the Christian begin his prayers and activities? (CCC 2157) The Christian begins his prayers and activities with the Sign of the Cross: “in the name of the Father and the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.”
2216. What attribute does Ps 8 give to the name of God? (CCC 2160) Ps 8 gives to the name of God the attribute “majestic in all the earth”.
2217. What does the second commandment enjoin? (CCC 2161) The second commandment enjoins respect for the Lord’s name.
2218. What does the second commandment forbid? (CCC 2162) The second commandment forbids every improper use of God’s name.
2219. Why are false oaths grave offences against the Lord? (CCC 2163) False oaths are grave offences against the Lord, because every oath engages the name of the Lord and a false oath calls on God to be witness to a lie.
2220. When only is swearing allowed? (CCC 2164) Swearing is allowed only when it is truthful, of necessity and done with reverence.
2221. When does the Christian receive his name? (CCC 2165) The Christian receives his name in Baptism.
2222. How does the Christian begin his prayers and activities? (CCC 2166) The Christian begins his prayers and activities with the Sign of the Cross.
2223. What does God say in Is 43 about the name? (CCC 2167) In Is 43 God says about the name: “I have called you by name, you are mine.”
2224. What is the third commandment? (CCC 2168) The third commandment is: “Remember to keep holy the Lord’s Day.”
2225. What is the origin of the Sabbath day? (CCC 2169) The origin of the Sabbath day is the time of creation when God, after having made the world, rested the seventh day and blessed and hallowed it.
2226. What three facts does the Sabbath day recall? (CCC 2169-2171) The Sabbath day recalls:
1. the creation of the world
2. the liberation from Egypt
3. the irrevocable covenant.
2227. Why is the Sabbath the model for human action? (CCC 2172) The Sabbath is the model for human action, because it teaches man to rest so that God can act in him.
2228. How does Christ give the definite explanation of the Sabbath? (CCC 2173) Christ gives the definite explanation of the Sabbath by saying: “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath” (Mk 2).
2229. What day of the week is the Lord’s Day? (CCC 2174) The Sunday, first day of the week, is the Lord’s Day.
2230. Why is the first day of the week the Lord’s Day? (CCC 2174) The first day of the week is the Lord’s Day, because it is the day of Christ’s Resurrection.
2231. Why is the Sabbath replaced by the Sunday? (CCC 2175) The Sabbath is replaced by the Sunday, because the Sunday as the day of Christ’s Resurrection fulfils the spiritual truth of the Jewish Sabbath and announces man’s eternal rest in God.
2232. What is the foremost holy day of obligation in the universal Church? (CCC 2177) The foremost holy day of obligation in the universal Church is the Sunday.
2233. What are the Church’s ten holy days of obligation? (CCC 2177) The Church’s ten holy days of obligation are:
1. Christmas
2. Epiphany
3. Ascension
4. Corpus Christi
5. the feast of the Mother of God on January 1
6. Immaculate Conception
7. Assumption
8. the feast of St Joseph
9. the feast of the apostles Peter and Paul
10. All Saints.
2234. Why can we not pray at home as at church according to St John Chrysostom? (CCC 2179) According to St John Chrysostom (around AD 400), we cannot pray at home as at church, because in the church we find:
1. a great multitude that cries out to God as from one great heart
2. the union of minds
3. the accord of souls
4. the bond of charity
5. the prayers of the priest.
2235. On what days are the faithful bound to attend Mass? (CCC 2180) The faithful are bound to attend Mass on Sundays and other holy days of obligation.
2236. How is the obligation to attend Mass satisfied? (CCC 2180) The obligation to attend Mass is satisfied by assistance at a Mass which is celebrated anywhere in a Catholic rite either on the holy day or on the evening of the preceding day.
2237. When are the faithful excused from attending Mass on days of obligation? (CCC 2181) The faithful are excused from attending Mass on days of obligation in the case of:
1. a serious reason
2. dispensation by their own pastor.
A serious reason is e.g. illness, the care of infants or when no Mass is available.
2238. What kind of sin is the deliberate failure to attend Mass on days of obligation? (CCC 2181) The deliberate failure to attend Mass on days of obligation is a grave sin.
2239. What may the faithful do if Sunday Mass is not available? (CCC 2183) If Sunday Mass is not available the faithful may:
1. take part in the Liturgy of the Word if it is celebrated or
2. engage in prayer for an appropriate amount of time personally or in groups.
2240. What activities must be avoided on Sundays and other holy days of obligation? (CCC 2185) The activities that must be avoided on Sundays and other holy days of obligation are those that hinder:
1. the worship owed to God
2. the joy proper to the Lord’s Day
3. the performance of the works of mercy
4. the appropriate relaxation of mind and body.
2241. Why should Sundays and holy days of obligation be legal holidays? (CCC 2188) Sundays and holy days of obligation should be legal holidays, because they are a precious contribution to the spiritual life of society.
2242. What does the third commandment direct us to keep? (CCC 2189) The third commandment directs us to keep the Lord’s Day holy.
2243. What day has replaced the Sabbath? (CCC 2190) The Sunday has replaced the Sabbath.
2244. Why is Sunday called the Lord’s Day? (CCC 2191) Sunday is called the Lord’s Day, because it is the day of Christ’s Resurrection.
2245. What is the foremost holy day of obligation in the universal Church? (CCC 2192) Sunday is the foremost holy day of obligation in the universal Church.
2246. What activities must be avoided on Sundays and other holy days of obligation? (CCC 2193) The activities that must be avoided on Sundays and other holy days of obligation are those that hinder:
1. the worship owed to God
2. the joy proper to the Lord’s Day
3. the performance of the works of mercy
4. the appropriate relaxation of mind and body.
2247. What is the function of Sunday rest? (CCC 2194) The function of Sunday rest is to allow the faithful to relax and to cultivate their familial, cultural, social and religious life.
2248. How can a Christian help the other faithful to observe the Lord’s Day? (CCC 2195) A Christian can help the other faithful to observe the Lord’s Day by avoiding unnecessary demands on them on that day.
2249. Which commandments does Christ identify in Mt 22 as the two greatest? (CCC 2196) The commandments which Christ identifies in Mt 22 as the two greatest are:
1. You shall love the Lord with all your heart, soul, mind and strength
2. You shall love your neighbour as yourself.
2250. What is the fourth commandment? (CCC 2197) The fourth commandment is: “Honour your father and your mother.”
2251. How does the fourth commandment show the order of charity? (CCC 2197) The fourth commandment shows the order of charity by indicating that the love of God is followed by the love of one’s parents.
2252. To whom is the fourth commandment addressed expressly? (CCC 2199) The fourth commandment is addressed expressly to children in their relationship to their parents.
2253. What relationships does the fourth commandment regard in a larger sense? (CCC 2199) The relationships that the fourth commandment regards in a larger sense are:
1. the ties of kinship between members of the extended family
2. the duties of pupils to teachers
3. the duties of employees to employers
4. the duties of subordinates to leaders
5. the duties of citizens to their country and its authorities.
2254. What is the reward promised for observing the fourth commandment? (CCC 2200) The reward promised for observing the fourth commandment is “that your days may be long in the land which the Lord your God gives you.”
2255. Upon what is the family established by the spouses? (CCC 2201) The family is established upon the covenant and consent of the spouses.
2256. To what two ends are marriage and family ordered? (CCC 2201) Marriage and family are ordered to:
1. the good of the spouses
2. the procreation and education of children.
2257. What is a family? (CCC 2202) A family is a man and a woman united in marriage, together with their children.
2258. When did God institute the family? (CCC 2203) God instituted the family when He created man and woman.
2259. Why can the Christian family be called a domestic church? (CCC 2204) The Christian family can be called a domestic church, because it constitutes a specific revelation and realization of ecclesial communion.
2260. How does the Christian family reflect the Father’s work of creation? (CCC 2205) The Christian family reflects the Father’s work of creation in the procreation and education of children.
2261. How are family and society related? (CCC 2207) Family and society are related by the fact that the family is the original cell of society.
2262. What is the duty of the civil authority regarding the family? (CCC 2210) The duty of the civil authority regarding the family is:
1. to acknowledge, protect and foster the true nature of marriage and the family
2. to safeguard public morality
3. to promote domestic prosperity.
2263. How are the duties of family members classified? (CCC 2214-2231) The duties of family members are classified as:
1. the duties of children
2. the duties of parents.
2264. What is the most fundamental reason for the honour owed to parents? (CCC 2214) The most fundamental reason for the honour owed to parents is the fact that the human fatherhood has the Divine Fatherhood as its source.
2265. What is filial piety? (CCC 2215) Filial piety is the respect of the children for their parents.
2266. How is filial respect shown? (CCC 2216) Filial respect is shown by true docility and obedience.
2267. What are the responsibilities of grown children toward their parents? (CCC 2218) The responsibilities of grown children toward their parents are to give them material and moral support in old age and in times of illness, loneliness or distress.
2268. What is the primordial duty of the parents toward their children? (CCC 2221) The primordial duty of the parents toward their children is to educate them.
2269. What are the two aspects of the fecundity of conjugal love? (CCC 2221) The two aspects of the fecundity of conjugal love are:
1. the procreation of children
2. the moral education and spiritual formation of the children.
2270. Who has the first responsibility for the education of children? (CCC 2223) Parents have the first responsibility for the education of their children.
2271. When should parents start associating their children with the life of the Church? (CCC 2225) Parents should start associating their children with the life of the Church from their tenderest years.
2272. How do children contribute to the spiritual benefit of their parents? (CCC 2227) Children contribute to the spiritual benefit of their parents by making them grow in holiness.
2273. What school should parents choose for their children? (CCC 2229) Parents should choose a school for their children that best helps them in their task as Christian educators.
2274. Why does the Kingdom of God have precedence over family ties? (CCC 2232) The Kingdom of God has precedence over family ties, because the first vocation of the Christian is to follow Christ.
2275. How does Christ declare the precedence of the Kingdom of God over the family? (CCC 2232) Christ declares the precedence of the Kingdom of God over the family by saying: “He who loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; and he who loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me” (Mt 10).
2276. How does the fourth commandment regulate the authorities in civil society? (CCC 2234) The fourth commandment regulates the authorities in civil society by clarifying the duties of those who exercise authority.
2277. How is the exercise of authority morally regulated? (CCC 2235) The exercise of authority is morally regulated by:
1. its divine origin
2. its reasonable nature
3. its specific object.
2278. In what limits must civil authority be exercised? (CCC 2235) Civil authority must be exercised in the limits of the dignity of persons and the natural law.
2279. What kind of justice must those in authority practice? (CCC 2236) Those in authority must practice distributive justice.
Distributive justice regulates the behaviour of the whole toward the parts.
2280. How should those subject to authority regard those in authority? (CCC 2238) Those subject to authority should regard those in authority as representatives of God.
2281. What is the aim of right criticisms of the ruling authorities? (CCC 2238) The aim of right criticisms of the ruling authorities is to expose what seems harmful to the dignity of persons and to the good of the community.
2282. What are our chief duties as citizens? (CCC 2239) Our chief duties as citizens are:
1. to contribute to the common good
2. to love and serve our country
3. to submit to legitimate authorities.
2283. Why is it morally obligatory to pay taxes, to vote and to defend one’s country? (CCC 2240) It is morally obligatory to pay taxes, to vote and to defend one’s country, because this follows from the duties of citizens to submit to authority and to contribute to the good of society.
2284. When is a citizen obliged not to follow the directives of civil authorities? (CCC 2242) A citizen is obliged not to follow the directives of civil authorities when they are contrary to:
1. the demands of the moral order
2. the fundamental rights of persons or
3. the teachings of the Gospel.
2285. Where does refusing obedience to civil authorities find its justification? (CCC 2242) Refusing obedience to civil authorities finds its justification in the distinction between serving God and serving the political community.
2286. When is armed resistance to oppression by political authority legitimate? (CCC 2243) Armed resistance to oppression by political authority is legitimate when five conditions are met:
1. there is certain, grave and prolonged violation of fundamental rights
2. all other means of redress have been exhausted
3. the resistance will not provoke worse disorders
4. there is well-founded hope of success
5. it is impossible reasonably to foresee any better solution.
2287. What does the fourth commandment enjoin? (CCC 2247) The fourth commandment enjoins us to honour father and mother.
2288. Whom should we honour after God? (CCC 2248) After God we should honour our parents and those whom God has vested with authority for our good.
2289. Upon what is the family established by the spouses? (CCC 2249) The family is established upon the covenant and consent of the spouses.
2290. Why are healthy families of public importance? (CCC 2250) Healthy families are of public importance, because they contribute to the well-being of the individual person and of both human and Christian society.
2291. What do children owe their parents? (CCC 2251) Children owe their parents respect, gratitude, just obedience and assistance.
2292. Who has the first responsibility for the education of children? (CCC 2252) Parents have the first responsibility for the education of their children.
2293. Why should parents respect and encourage their children’s vocations? (CCC 2253) Parents should respect and encourage their children’s vocations, because the first calling of the Christian is to follow Christ.
2294. How must public authority serve the human person? (CCC 2254) Public authority must serve the human person by respecting his fundamental rights and the conditions for the exercise of his freedom.
2295. Why must the citizen collaborate with civil authority? (CCC 2255) The citizen must collaborate with civil authority in order to build up society.
2296. How does Acts 5 express the precedence of God before the state? (CCC 2256) Acts 5 expresses the precedence of God before the state when it says: “We must obey God rather than men.”
2297. What is the danger of societies without God? (CCC 2257) The danger of societies without God is that they easily become totalitarian.
2298. What is the fifth commandment? (CCC 2258) The fifth commandment is: “You shall not kill.”
2299. Why is human life sacred? (CCC 2258) Human life is sacred, because:
1. from its beginning it involves the creative action of God
2. it remains forever in a special relationship with the Creator, who is its sole end.
2300. When does respect for human life become an issue for the first time? (CCC 2259) Respect for human life becomes for the first time an issue in the account of Abel’s murder by his brother Cain (Gen 4).
2301. What does blood signify in the Old Testament? (CCC 2260) In the Old Testament blood signifies life.
2302. To what is the deliberate murder of an innocent gravely contrary? (CCC 2261) The deliberate murder of an innocent is gravely contrary to:
1. the dignity of the human being
2. the golden rule
3. the holiness of the Creator.
The “golden rule” is written down in Mt 7:12 “In everything do to others as you would have them do to you.”
2303. What does it mean that the law forbidding murder is universally valid? (CCC 2261) That the law forbidding murder is universally valid means that it obliges each and everyone, always and everywhere.
2304. What does Christ add to the commandment “You shall not kill”? (CCC 2262) Christ adds to the commandment “You shall not kill”:
1. the proscription of anger, hatred and vengeance
2. the call to turn the other cheek and to love the enemy.
2305. What double effect can the legitimate act of self-defence have? (CCC 2263) The legitimate act of self-defence can have the double effect of:
1. the intended preservation of one’s own life
2. the unintentional killing of the aggressor.
2306. Why is it legitimate to insist on respect for one’s own right to life? (CCC 2264) It is legitimate to insist on respect for one’s own right to life, because love toward oneself remains a fundamental principle of morality.
2307. For whom is legitimate defence a grave duty? (CCC 2265) Legitimate defence is a grave duty for the one who is responsible for the lives of others.
The defence of the common good requires that an unjust aggressor be rendered unable to cause harm.
2308. Why is the state allowed to punish proportionate to the gravity of an offence? (CCC 2266) The state is allowed to punish proportionate to the gravity of an offence because of its obligation to safeguard the common good.
2309. What is the primary aim of punishment? (CCC 2266) The primary aim of punishment is to redress the disorder introduced by an offence.
2310. When is recourse to the death penalty legitimate? (CCC 2267) Recourse to the death penalty is legitimate, if this is the only possible way of effectively defending human lives against an unjust aggressor and of protecting the safety of persons.
2311. Why are cases requiring death penalty today rare, if not practically nonexistent? (CCC 2267) Cases requiring death penalty are today very rare if not practically nonexistent because of the possibilities that the state has for effectively preventing crime without killing the one who has committed an offence.
2312. What is direct and intentional killing? (CCC 2268) Direct and intentional killing is the deliberate and premeditated murder of an innocent.
2313. What is indirect and intentional killing? (CCC 2269) Indirect and intentional killing is taking somebody’s life by:
1. exposing him to mortal danger without grave reason or
2. refusing assistance to a person in danger.
2314. What is unintentional killing? (CCC 2269) Unintentional killing is taking somebody’s life without wanting to do so.
2315. From what moment on must human life be respected and protected absolutely? (CCC 2270) Human life must be respected and protected absolutely from the moment of conception.
2316. From what moment on must a human being be recognized as a person? (CCC 2270) A human being must be recognized as a person from the first moment of his existence.
2317. What is direct abortion? (CCC 2271) Direct abortion is an abortion willed either as an end or a means.
2318. How must direct abortion be qualified morally? (CCC 2271) Direct abortion must morally be qualified as gravely contrary to the moral law.
2319. How does Gaudium et Spes 51 call abortion? (CCC 2271) Gaudium et Spes 51 calls abortion an abominable crime.
Gaudium et Spes is a Vatican II document, the Pastoral Constitution on the Church in the Modern World.
2320. What ecclesiastical penalty does a person who procures an abortion incur? (CCC 2272) A person who procures an abortion incurs excommunication latae sententiae.
“latae sententiae” means that the excommunication enters into force by the very commission of the offence.
2321. On what does every man’s right to life from conception until death depend? (CCC 2273) Every man’s right to life from conception until death depends on the very human nature.
2322. Why does a state that allows abortion undermine its own legal foundations? (CCC 2273) A state that allows abortion undermines its own legal foundations, because abortion denies the equality of all before the law, in particular of the more vulnerable.
2323. When is prenatal diagnosis morally licit? (CCC 2274) Prenatal diagnosis is morally licit if it respects the life and integrity of the embryo and is directed toward its safeguarding or healing as an individual and there is no thought of possibly inducing an abortion on the basis of the results obtained.
2324. Is it licit to produce human embryos for exploitation as biological material? (CCC 2275) No, it is not licit and is immoral to produce human embryos for exploitation as biological material.
2325. What is direct euthanasia? (CCC 2277) Direct euthanasia is the putting an end to the lives of handicapped, sick or dying persons.
Direct euthanasia is morally unacceptable.
2326. What life-saving medical procedures may the doctor discontinue? (CCC 2278) The doctor may discontinue life-saving medical procedures that are burdensome, dangerous, extraordinary or disproportionate to the expected outcome.
By discontinuing medical procedures one does not will to cause death; one’s inability to impede it is merely accepted.
2327. When may painkillers be used which risk shortening the days of a patient? (CCC 2279) Painkillers which risk shortening the days of a patient may be used if death is not willed as either an end or a means, but only foreseen and tolerated as inevitable.
2328. Why are we not allowed to dispose of our life? (CCC 2280) We are not allowed to dispose of our life, because we are stewards, not owners, of the life God has entrusted to us.
2329. Why is suicide objectively a grave sin? (CCC 2281) Suicide is objectively a grave sin, because it is gravely contrary to:
1. the just love of self
2. the love of one’s neighbour with whom it unjustly breaks the ties
3. love for the living God.
2330. In what case can the responsibility of the one committing suicide be diminished? (CCC 2282) The responsibility of the one committing suicide can be diminished in the case of grave psychological disturbances, anguish or grave fear of hardship, suffering or torture.
2331. What does the Church do for those who have taken their own lives? (CCC 2283) The Church prays for those who have taken their own lives.
2332. How can one classify the areas which respect for the dignity of persons concerns? (CCC 2284-2301) One can classify the areas which respect for the dignity of persons concerns as:
1. the souls of others
2. the human health
3. the person in scientific research
4. bodily integrity
5. the dead.
2333. What is scandal? (CCC 2284) Scandal is an attitude or behaviour which leads another to do evil and thus damages virtue and integrity.
2334. When is there a grave scandal? (CCC 2285) There is a grave scandal when the scandal is given by those who by nature or office are obliged to teach and educate others.
2335. How should we take care of our life and physical health? (CCC 2288) We should take reasonable care of our life and physical health, taking into account the needs of others and the common good.
2336. Why does the virtue of temperance contribute to respect for health? (CCC 2290) The virtue of temperance contributes to respect for health, because it disposes us to avoid every kind of excess: the abuse of food, alcohol, tobacco or medicine.
2337. Under what condition are science and technology precious resources? (CCC 2293) Science and technology are precious resources under the condition that they are placed at the service of man and promote his integral development for the benefit of all.
2338. How must the claim of moral neutrality in scientific research be judged? (CCC 2294) The claim of moral neutrality in scientific research must be judged as an illusion.
2339. When is experimentation on human beings immoral? (CCC 2295) Experimentation on human beings is immoral when it exposes the subject’s life or physical and psychological integrity to disproportionate or avoidable risks.
2340. When are organ transplants morally acceptable? (CCC 2296) Organ transplants are morally acceptable when the physical and psychological dangers and risks incurred by the donor are proportionate to the good that is sought for the recipient.
2341. How is organ donation after death to be judged morally? (CCC 2296) Organ donation after death is to be judged morally as a meritorious act that is to be encouraged.
2342. When is organ donation after death morally not acceptable? (CCC 2296) Organ donation after death is morally not acceptable when the donor or his proxy has not given explicit consent.
2343. What are the crimes against the respect of bodily integrity? (CCC 2297) The crimes against the respect of bodily integrity are:
1. kidnapping and hostage taking
2. terrorism
3. torture
4. amputations, mutilations and sterilizations which are not performed for strictly therapeutic reasons.
2344. How is respect for the dying person shown? (CCC 2299) Respect for the dying person is shown by:
1. the giving of care and attention
2. the prayers of relatives
3. provision of the last rites.
2345. How must the bodies of the dead be treated? (CCC 2300) The bodies of the dead must be treated with respect and charity, in faith and hope of the Resurrection.
2346. Under what circumstances can autopsies be morally permitted? (CCC 2301) Autopsies can be morally permitted for legal inquests or scientific research.
2347. Under what condition does the Church permit cremation? (CCC 2301) The Church permits cremation under the condition that it does not demonstrate a denial of faith in the resurrection of the body.
2348. Why does the observation of the fifth commandment help in safeguarding peace? (CCC 2302) The observation of the fifth commandment helps in safeguarding peace, because it promotes peace of heart and denounces murderous anger and hatred as immoral.
2349. What is anger? (CCC 2302) Anger is a desire for revenge.
2350. What is hatred? (CCC 2303) Hatred is to wish evil on somebody.
2351. How is peace defined according to St Augustine? (CCC 2304) According to St Augustine († 430), peace is defined as the tranquillity of order.
2352. Why is earthly peace related to the peace of Christ? (CCC 2305) Earthly peace is related to the peace of Christ, because it is the image and fruit of the peace of Christ.
2353. Why does the Church pray and act so that God may free us from war? (CCC 2307) The Church prays and acts so that God may free us from war because of the evils and injustices that accompany all war.
2354. What are the four strict conditions for legitimate defence by military force? (CCC 2309) The four strict conditions for legitimate defence by military force are at one and the same time:
1. the damage inflicted by the aggressor must be lasting, grave and certain
2. all other means of putting an end to it must have been shown to be impractical or ineffective
3. there must be serious prospects of success
4. the use of arms must not produce evils and disorders graver than the evil to be eliminated.
These are the elements that form the “just war” doctrine.
2355. When may the obligations necessary for national defence be imposed on citizens? (CCC 2310) The obligations necessary for national defence may be imposed on citizens only when the four strict conditions for legitimate defence subsist.
2356. Is the moral law valid during an armed conflict? (CCC 2312) Yes, the moral law is valid during an armed conflict.
2357. What are war crimes? (CCC 2313) War crimes are actions deliberately contrary to the law of nations and to its universal principles.
2358. Why does the arms race not ensure peace? (CCC 2315) The arms race does not ensure peace, because instead of eliminating the causes of war, it risks aggravating them.
2359. What are the causes of wars and threats to peace? (CCC 2317) The causes of wars and threats to peace are injustice, excessive economic or social inequalities, envy, distrust and pride raging among men and nations.
2360. Who is the Lord of life? (CCC 2318) God is the Lord of life.
2361. Why is all human life, from the moment of conception until death, sacred? (CCC 2319) All human life, from the moment of conception until death, is sacred, because the human person has been created in the image and likeness of God.
2362. Why is murder a grave sin? (CCC 2320) Murder is a grave sin, because it is gravely contrary to the dignity of the person and the holiness of the Creator.
2363. For whom is legitimate defence a grave duty? (CCC 2321) Legitimate defence is a grave duty for whoever is responsible for the lives of others or the common good.
2364. How must direct abortion be qualified morally? (CCC 2322) Direct abortion must be qualified morally as a criminal practice gravely contrary to the moral law.
2365. Why must the embryo be defended in its integrity? (CCC 2323) The embryo must be defended in its integrity because it must be treated as a person from conception.
2366. How must intentional euthanasia, whatever its forms or motives are, be qualified morally? (CCC 2324) Intentional euthanasia, whatever its forms or motives are, must be qualified morally as murder.
2367. Why is suicide a grave sin? (CCC 2325) Suicide is a grave sin, because it is seriously contrary to justice, hope and charity.
2368. When is scandal a grave offence? (CCC 2326) Scandal is a grave offence when by deed or omission it deliberately leads others to sin gravely.
2369. Why must everything reasonably possible be done to avoid war? (CCC 2327) Everything reasonably possible must be done to avoid war because of the evils and injustices that all war brings with it.
2370. Is the moral law suspended during armed conflicts? (CCC 2328) No, the moral law is not suspended during armed conflicts.
2371. How must the arms race be considered morally? (CCC 2329) The arms race must be considered morally as one of the greatest curses on the human race.
2372. What does the Gospel promise to the peacemakers? (CCC 2330) The Gospel promises to the peacemakers that they shall be called sons of God.
2373. What is the sixth commandment? (CCC 2331) The sixth commandment is: “You shall not commit adultery.”
2374. What is the OT locus classicus for the creation of man as male and female? (CCC 2331) The Old Testament locus classicus for the creation of man as male and female is Gen 1:27.
2375. What aspects of the human person does sexuality affect? (CCC 2332) Sexuality affects all aspects of the human person.
2376. Toward what is physical, moral and spiritual complementarity of man oriented? (CCC 2333) Physical, moral and spiritual complementarity of man is oriented toward the goods of marriage and the flourishing of family life.
2377. Why do man and woman have an equal personal dignity? (CCC 2334) Man and woman have an equal personal dignity, because both were created in the image and likeness of God.
2378. What realities does the sixth commandment encompass? (CCC 2336) The sixth commandment encompasses the whole of human sexuality.
2379. What is chastity? (CCC 2337) Chastity is the successful integration of sexuality within the person.
2380. How does sexuality become personal and truly human? (CCC 2337) Sexuality becomes personal and truly human, when it is integrated into the relationship of one person to another in marriage.
2381. What is self-mastery? (CCC 2339) Self-mastery is the ability of man to govern his passions.
2382. Why is self-mastery important? (CCC 2339) Self-mastery is important, because by governing his passions man finds peace.
2383. What are the five means for acquiring self-mastery? (CCC 2340) The five means for acquiring self-mastery are:
1. self-knowledge
2. ascesis
3. obedience to God’s commandments
4. exercise of the moral virtues
5. prayer.
2384. Under which cardinal virtue does chastity come? (CCC 2341) Chastity comes under the cardinal virtue of temperance, which seeks to permeate the passions and appetites of the senses with reason.
2385. How is self-mastery acquired? (CCC 2342) Self-mastery is acquired through long and exacting work and is never possessed once for all.
2386. Why does chastity involve a cultural effort? (CCC 2344) Chastity involves a cultural effort, because there is an interdependence between personal betterment and the improvement of society.
2387. What does it mean that chastity is a gift from God? (CCC 2345) That chastity is a gift from God means that the Holy Spirit enables one whom the water of Baptism has regenerated to imitate the purity of Christ.
2388. How does chastity influence behaviour toward one’s neighbour? (CCC 2346) Chastity influences behaviour toward one’s neighbour by turning the chaste person into a witness of God’s fidelity and loving kindness.
2389. What are the three forms of the virtue of chastity according to St Ambrose? (CCC 2349) According to St Ambrose (before AD 400) the three forms of the virtue of chastity are:
1. the chastity of spouses
2. the chastity of widows
3. the chastity of virgins.
2390. What kind of chastity must those engaged to marry live? (CCC 2350) Those engaged to marry must live chastity in continence reserving for marriage the expressions of affection that belong to married love.
2391. What are the most serious offences against chastity? (CCC 2351-2356) The most serious offences against chastity are lust, masturbation, fornication, pornography, prostitution, rape and homosexual practices.
2392. What is lust? (CCC 2351) Lust is either:
1. disordered desire for sexual pleasure or
2. inordinate enjoyment of sexual pleasure.
2393. When is sexual pleasure morally disordered? (CCC 2351) Sexual pleasure is morally disordered when sought for itself, isolated from its procreative and unitive purposes.
2394. What is masturbation? (CCC 2352) Masturbation is the deliberate stimulation of the genital organs in order to derive sexual pleasure.
2395. Why is masturbation a grave sin? (CCC 2352) Masturbation is a grave sin, because it is an intrinsically and gravely disordered action.
The deliberate use of the sexual faculty outside of marriage, for whatever purpose, is essentially contrary to its purpose.
2396. What factors can lessen or even extenuate the moral culpability of masturbation? (CCC 2352) The factors that can lessen or even extenuate the moral culpability of masturbation are:
1. emotional immaturity
2. force of acquired habit
3. condition of anxiety
4. other psychological or social factors.
These four factors can lessen or even extenuate the moral culpability of any kind of sin (CCC 1860).
2397. What is fornication? (CCC 2353) Fornication is carnal union between an unmarried man and an unmarried woman.
2398. Why is fornication gravely contrary to the dignity of human sexuality? (CCC 2353) Fornication is gravely contrary to the dignity of human sexuality, because human sexuality is naturally ordered to the good of the spouses and the generation and education of children while fornication is not.
2399. What is pornography? (CCC 2354) Pornography is the removal of real or simulated sexual acts from the intimacy of the partners, in order to display them deliberately to third parties.
Pornography immerses all who are involved in the illusion of a fantasy world.
2400. How should the state deal with pornography? (CCC 2354) The state should deal with pornography by preventing its production and distribution.
2401. Why is prostitution a grave sin? (CCC 2355) Prostitution is a grave sin, because it:
1. does injury to the dignity of the person who is active in it
2. reduces the person to an instrument of sexual pleasure
3. defiles the body, the temple of the Holy Spirit.
2402. What is rape? (CCC 2356) Rape is the forcible violation of the sexual intimacy of another person.
2403. Why is rape a grave sin? (CCC 2356) Rape is a grave sin, because it:
1. does injury to justice and charity
2. deeply wounds the respect, freedom and physical and moral integrity of a person.
Graver still is the rape of children committed by parents or by educators.
2404. What is homosexuality? (CCC 2357) Homosexuality is an exclusive or predominant sexual attraction toward persons of the same sex.
2405. How does the Bible value homosexual acts? (CCC 2357) The Bible values homosexual acts as acts of grave depravity.
2406. Why are homosexual acts intrinsically disordered? (CCC 2357) Homosexual acts are intrinsically disordered, because they:
1. are contrary to the natural law
2. close the sexual act to procreation
3. do not proceed from a genuine affective and sexual complementarity.
2407. How should people behave who are tempted to commit homosexual acts? (CCC 2358-2359) People who are tempted to commit homosexual acts should:
1. unite to the sacrifice of the Cross the difficulties arising from such temptations
2. live a life in chastity
3. foster the virtues of self-mastery
4. engage in disinterested friendship, prayer and a sacramental life
5. gradually and resolutely approach Christian perfection.
2408. How is the love of husband and wife called? (CCC 2360) The love of husband and wife is called conjugal love.
2409. When only is sexuality realized in a truly human way? (CCC 2361) Sexuality is realized in a truly human way only if it is an integral part of the love by which a man and woman commit themselves totally to one another until death.
2410. How should the pleasure resulting from the generative function be enjoyed? (CCC 2362) The pleasure resulting from the generative function should be enjoyed as God’s gift in the limits of just moderation.
2411. What twofold end of marriage does the spouses’ union achieve? (CCC 2363) The spouses’ union achieves:
1. the good of the spouses
2. the transmission of life.
The conjugal love of man and woman stands therefore under the twofold obligation of fidelity and fecundity.
2412. How is the irrevocability of conjugal fidelity expressed in the Bible? (CCC 2364) The irrevocability of conjugal fidelity is expressed in the Bible in the words: “What God has joined together, let not man put asunder” (Mk 10).
2413. What does St John Chrysostom advise young husbands to say to their wives? (CCC 2365) St John Chrysostom advises young husbands to say to their wives: “I have taken you in my arms and I love you and I prefer you to my life itself.”
2414. What is the fundamental doctrine on the fecundity of the marriage act? (CCC 2366) The fundamental doctrine on the fecundity of the marriage act is that each and every marriage act must necessarily remain open per se to the procreation of human life.
2415. Why must each marriage act remain open to the procreation of human life? (CCC 2366) Each marriage act must remain open to the procreation of human life because of the inseparable connection between both the unitive and the procreative significance inherent to the marriage act.
2416. What is the mission proper to married couples? (CCC 2367) The mission proper to married couples is to transmit human life and to educate their children.
2417. What is regulation of births? (CCC 2368) Regulation of births is the couples’ effort to space the births of their children.
2418. When is regulation of births legitimate? (CCC 2368) Regulation of births is legitimate when it:
1. happens for just reasons
2. is not motivated by selfishness
3. conforms to the objective criteria of morality.
Objective criteria of morality are drawn from the nature of the person and his acts.
2419. What method of birth regulation is conformed to the moral law? (CCC 2370) The method of birth regulation conformed to the moral law is periodic continence.
Periodic continence can be based on self-observation and the use of infertile periods.
2420. What methods of birth regulation are intrinsically evil? (CCC 2370) The methods of birth regulation are intrinsically evil that alter the conjugal act in itself in order to render procreation impossible.
2421. How may the state intervene to regulate its demography? (CCC 2372) The state may intervene to regulate its demography by means of objective and respectful information, but certainly not by authoritarian, coercive measures.
2422. Of what are large families a sign? (CCC 2373) Large families are a sign of God’s blessing and the parents’ generosity.
2423. On what condition is research aimed at reducing human sterility to be encouraged? (CCC 2375) Research aimed at reducing human sterility is to be encouraged, on condition that it is placed at the service of the rights and the good of the human person.
2424. What is heterologous artificial insemination and fertilization? (CCC 2376) Heterologous artificial insemination and fertilization is a technique aimed at reducing human sterility entailing the dissociation of husband and wife by the intrusion of a third person as the donor of sperm, ovum or of a surrogate uterus.
2425. Why is heterologous artificial insemination and fertilization gravely immoral? (CCC 2376) Heterologous artificial insemination and fertilization is gravely immoral, because it infringes the child’s right to be born of a father and mother that are known to him and bound to each other by marriage.
2426. What is homologous artificial insemination and fertilization? (CCC 2377) Homologous artificial insemination and fertilization is a technique aimed at reducing human sterility involving only the married couple but dissociating the sexual from the procreative act.
2427. Why is homologous artificial insemination and fertilization immoral? (CCC 2377) Homologous artificial insemination and fertilization is immoral because it infringes the child’s right to be born as the fruit of the conjugal act and instead makes it to be the result of some technological operation.
2428. Why can there not be a right to a child? (CCC 2378) There cannot be a right to a child, because a child:
1. is not something owed to one, but a gift
2. may not be considered a piece of property.
2429. What can spouses do who suffer from infertility that cannot be healed? (CCC 2379) Spouses that suffer from infertility that cannot be healed can:
1. unite themselves with the Lord’s Cross, the source of all spiritual fecundity
2. give expression to their generosity by adopting abandoned children
3. perform demanding services for others.
2430. What are the main offences against the dignity of marriage? (CCC 2380-2391) The main offences against the dignity of marriage are adultery, divorce, polygamy, incest and the so-called “free union” and “trial marriage”.
2431. What is adultery? (CCC 2380) Adultery is marital infidelity.
2432. Why is adultery a grave sin and injustice? (CCC 2381) Adultery is a grave sin and injustice, because the adulterer:
1. fails in his commitment
2. does injury to the marriage bond
3. transgresses the rights of the other spouse
4. undermines the institution of marriage by breaking the marital contract
5. compromises the good of human generation and the welfare of children.
2433. What marriage cannot be dissolved? (CCC 2382) A marriage (1) contracted between two baptised people, (2) ratified and (3) consummated, cannot be dissolved but by death.
2434. What does the term “indissoluble” mean when talking about a marriage? (CCC 2382) When talking about a marriage, the term “indissoluble” means that such a marriage cannot be dissolved by any human power or for any reason other than death.
2435. When can a separation of the spouses be legitimate? (CCC 2383) A separation of the spouses can be legitimate when:
1. the marriage bond is maintained
2. canon law is respected.
Canon law is the law of the Church.
2436. When does civil divorce not constitute a moral offence? (CCC 2383) Civil divorce does not constitute a moral offence when it remains the only way of ensuring:
1. certain legal rights
2. the care of the children or
3. the protection of inheritance.
2437. Why is divorce a grave offence against the natural law? (CCC 2384) Divorce is a grave offence against the natural law, because it:
1. claims to break the marriage contract to which the spouses freely consented
2. does injury to the covenant of salvation of which sacramental marriage is a sign.
2438. What is the moral situation of a civilly remarried spouse? (CCC 2384) The moral situation of a civilly remarried spouse is one of public and permanent adultery.
2439. How does divorce harm the family and society? (CCC 2385) Divorce harms the family and society by:
1. hurting the deserted spouse
2. traumatizing the children
3. its contagious effect, making it a plague on society.
2440. Does an innocent victim of a divorce contravene the moral law? (CCC 2386) An innocent victim of a divorce does not contravene the moral law as long as this person does not enter a new liaison.
2441. What is polygamy? (CCC 2387) Polygamy is cohabitation with more than one wife.
2442. Why is polygamy immoral? (CCC 2387) Polygamy is immoral, because it is contrary to the equal dignity of men and women who in matrimony give themselves with a love that is total, unique and exclusive.
2443. What is incest? (CCC 2388) Incest is intimate relations between those who are relatives or in-laws in a degree that prohibits their marriage.
2444. What sexual abuses are connected to incest? (CCC 2389) The sexual abuses connected to incest are lewd acts perpetrated by adults on children or adolescents entrusted to their care.
2445. What is a so-called “free union”? (CCC 2390) A so-called “free union” is cohabitation between a man and a woman who refuse to give juridical and public form to a liaison involving sexual intimacy.
The term “union”, in this context, is fallacious, because there cannot be union without a commitment to one another.
2446. Why are the so-called “free unions” immoral? (CCC 2390) The so-called “free unions” are immoral, because they:
1. offend against the dignity of marriage
2. destroy the very idea of the family
3. weaken the sense of fidelity
4. are contrary to the moral law.
2447. What is a so-called “trial marriage”? (CCC 2391) A so-called “trial marriage” is a “free union” where there is an intention of getting married later.
2448. Why are so-called “trial marriages” immoral? (CCC 2391) So-called “trial marriages” are immoral, because:
1. they can scarcely ensure mutual sincerity and fidelity
2. they cannot protect a union from inconstancy of desires or whim
3. human love demands a total and definitive commitment.
2449. What is the fundamental and innate vocation of every human being? (CCC 2392) The fundamental and innate vocation of every human being is love.
2450. Why are man and woman equal in dignity? (CCC 2393) Man and woman are equal in dignity, because God has created the human being man and woman.
2451. Whom does the call to chastity regard? (CCC 2394) The call to chastity regards every baptised person according to his particular state of life.
2452. What is chastity? (CCC 2395) Chastity is the integration of sexuality within the person.
2453. What are the most serious offences against chastity? (CCC 2396) The most serious offences against chastity are lust, masturbation, fornication, pornography, prostitution, rape and homosexual practices.
2454. What does the freely-entered marriage covenant entail? (CCC 2397) The freely-entered marriage covenant entails faithful love until death.
2455. How do spouses participate in God’s Fatherhood? (CCC 2398) Spouses participate in God’s Fatherhood by giving life.
2456. When is the regulation of births morally good? (CCC 2399) The regulation of births is morally good when it is achieved through morally acceptable means.
2457. What are the main offences against the dignity of marriage? (CCC 2400) The main offences against the dignity of marriage are adultery, divorce, polygamy and the so-called “free union” and “trial marriage”.
2458. What is the seventh commandment? (CCC 2401) The seventh commandment is: “You shall not steal.”
2459. What does the seventh commandment forbid, what does it command? (CCC 2401) The seventh commandment:
1. forbids unjustly taking or keeping the goods of one’s neighbour
2. commands justice and charity in the care of earthly goods and the fruits of men’s labour.
2460. What does the seventh commandment require for the sake of the common good? (CCC 2401) For the sake of the common good, the seventh commandment requires respect for:
1. the universal destination of goods
2. the right to private property.
The common good is the good of society.
2461. What does the universal destination of goods mean? (CCC 2402) The universal destination of goods means that the goods of creation are destined for the whole human race.
2462. Why is the earth divided up among men? (CCC 2402) The earth is divided up among men to assure the security of their lives.
2463. Why is the appropriation of possessions legitimate? (CCC 2402) The appropriation of possessions is legitimate, because it:
1. guarantees the freedom and dignity of persons
2. helps them to meet the basic human needs and the needs of those in their charge.
2464. How should man regard the external goods he legitimately owns? (CCC 2404) Man should regard the external goods he legitimately owns as things that can benefit others as well as himself.
2465. How should the goods of production be used? (CCC 2405) The goods of production should be used in a way that will benefit the greatest number.
2466. How should the goods for use and consumption be used? (CCC 2405) The goods for use and consumption should be used with moderation, reserving the better part for others.
2467. Which cardinal virtues help to respect persons and their goods? (CCC 2407) The cardinal virtues that help to respect persons and their goods are:
1. temperance: to promote moderate attachment to this world’s goods
2. justice: to preserve our neighbour’s rights and render him what is his due.
2468. What is theft? (CCC 2408) Theft is usurping another’s property against the reasonable will of the owner.
There is no theft if consent can be presumed or if refusal is contrary to reason and the universal destination of goods.
2469. To what extend must promises be kept and contracts observed? (CCC 2410) Promises must be kept and contracts observed to the extent that the commitments made in them are morally just.
2470. What are the three types of justice? (CCC 2411) The three types of justice are:
1. commutative justice
2. legal justice
3. distributive justice.
2471. What is commutative justice? (CCC 2411) Commutative justice is the justice that regulates exchanges between persons and between institutions in accordance with a strict respect for their rights.
Without commutative justice no other form of justice is possible.
2472. What is legal justice? (CCC 2411) Legal justice is the justice that concerns what the citizen owes in fairness to the community.
2473. What is distributive justice? (CCC 2411) Distributive justice is the justice that regulates what the community owes its citizens in proportion to their contributions and needs.
2474. In virtue of which kind of justice is restitution of stolen goods required? (CCC 2412) Restitution of stolen goods is required in virtue of commutative justice.
2475. When do games of chance or wagers become immoral? (CCC 2413) Games of chance or wagers become immoral when they deprive someone of what is necessary to provide for his needs and those of others.
2476. Why does the seventh commandment forbid the enslavement of human beings? (CCC 2414) The seventh commandment forbids the enslavement of human beings, because this is a sin against the dignity of persons and their fundamental rights.
2477. Why does the seventh commandment enjoin respect for the integrity of creation? (CCC 2415) The seventh commandment enjoins respect for the integrity of creation, because creation is destined for the common good of past, present and future humanity.
2478. Why does man owe kindness to animals? (CCC 2416) Man owes kindness to animals, because they:
1. are God’s creatures
2. are surrounded by God’s providential care
3. bless God and give Him glory by their mere existence.
2479. To whose stewardship did God entrust the animals? (CCC 2417) God entrusted the animals to the stewardship of men.
2480. What is the social doctrine of the Church? (CCC 2419) The social doctrine of the Church is the ecclesiastical teaching on the laws of social living.
2481. Why is the Church concerned with the temporal aspects of the common good? (CCC 2420) The Church is concerned with the temporal aspects of the common good, because they are ordered to God, the sovereign Good and our ultimate end.
2482. In which time did the social doctrine of the Church develop? (CCC 2421) The social doctrine of the Church developed in the nineteenth century.
2483. Why did the Church’s social doctrine develop? (CCC 2421) The Church’s social doctrine developed, because the Church encountered modern industrial society with its new methods of production, its new concept of society, the state and authority and its new forms of labour and ownership.
2484. What is the triple content of the Church’s social teaching? (CCC 2423) The triple content of the Church’s social teaching is:
1. principles for reflection
2. criteria for judgment
3. guidelines for action.
2485. Which aspects of capitalism does the Church refuse? (CCC 2425) The aspects of capitalism that the Church refuses are:
1. individualism
2. the absolute primacy of the law of the marketplace.
2486. What economical principles does the Church recommend? (CCC 2425) The Church recommends the following economical principles:
1. reasonable regulation of the marketplace and economic initiatives
2. a just hierarchy of values
3. a view to the common good.
2487. What is the purpose of economic activity? (CCC 2426) The purpose of economic activity is to provide for the needs of human beings.
2488. Within what limits must economic activity be exercised? (CCC 2426) Economic activity must be exercised within the limits of:
1. the moral order
2. social justice
3. God’s plan for man.
2489. Why is human work a duty? (CCC 2427) Human work is a duty, because it proceeds directly from persons called to prolong the work of creation by subduing the earth.
2490. How does human work in a certain way collaborate with Christ’s Redemption? (CCC 2427) Human work collaborates in a certain way with Christ’s Redemption by enduring the hardship of work in union with Christ crucified.
2491. How can human work be a means of sanctification? (CCC 2427) Human work can be a means of sanctification by:
1. offering a possibility to be a disciple of Christ
2. animating earthly realities with the Spirit of Christ.
2492. What is the task of the state in the economic life? (CCC 2431) The task of the state in the economic life is:
1. to guarantee security in the fields of freedom, property, currency, public services
2. to oversee and direct the exercise of human rights.
2493. What are the duties of the business leaders toward society? (CCC 2432) The duties of the business leaders toward society are:
1. to respond for the economic and ecological effects of their operations
2. to consider the good of persons.
2494. When is a wage just? (CCC 2434) A wage is just when it guarantees man a dignified livelihood for himself and his family, taking into account the state of the business and the common good.
2495. When is recourse to a strike morally legitimate? (CCC 2435) Recourse to a strike is morally legitimate, when it cannot be avoided or is necessary to obtain a proportionate benefit.
2496. When is recourse to a strike morally unacceptable? (CCC 2435) Recourse to a strike is morally unacceptable when it is accompanied by violence or when objectives are included that are not directly linked to working conditions or are contrary to the common good.
2497. Why is there a need of justice and solidarity among nations? (CCC 2437) There is a need of justice and solidarity among nations in order to overcome inequality of resources and economic capability on the international level.
2498. What gives the social question a worldwide dimension? (CCC 2438) Various causes of a religious, political, economic and financial nature give the social question a worldwide dimension.
2499. On what is the moral duty of rich nations toward the poor nations based? (CCC 2439) The moral responsibility of rich nations toward the poor nations is based on solidarity, charity and, if the prosperity of the rich has come from stolen resources, justice.
2500. How can the poor nations be helped? (CCC 2440) The poor nations can be helped by:
1. direct aid as a response to immediate needs
2. reform of international economic and financial institutions.
2501. What is fundamental for a full development of human society? (CCC 2441) Fundamental for a full development of human society is:
1. an increased sense of God
2. an increased self-awareness.
2502. Why should the laity intervene on their own initiative in political and social life? (CCC 2442) The laity should intervene on their own initiative in political and social life in order
1. to serve the common good
2. to conform the life of society to the Gospel and the teaching of the Church.
2503. By whom is the Church’s love for the poor inspired? (CCC 2444) The Church’s love for the poor is inspired by the Beatitudes, Christ’s poverty and His concern for the poor.
2504. What three types of poverty are there? (CCC 2444) There is material, cultural and religious poverty.
2505. What will the rust of gold and silver do to the rich according to Jas 5? (CCC 2445) According to Jas 5, the rust of gold and silver will be evidence against the rich and will eat their flesh like fire.
2506. What does St John Chrysostom say about our goods and the poor? (CCC 2446) St John Chrysostom (around AD 400) says about our goods and the poor: “The goods we possess are not ours, but theirs.”
2507. What are works of mercy? (CCC 2447) Works of mercy are charitable actions by which we come to the aid of our neighbour in his spiritual and bodily necessities.
2508. What are the seven spiritual works of mercy? (CCC 2447) The seven spiritual works of mercy are:
1. to counsel the doubtful
2. to instruct the ignorant
3. to admonish the sinner
4. to comfort the sorrowful
5. to forgive all injuries
6. to bear wrongs patiently
7. to pray for the living and the dead.
2509. What are the seven corporal works of mercy? (CCC 2447) The seven corporal works of mercy are:
1. to feed the hungry
2. to give drink to the thirsty
3. to clothe the naked
4. to ransom the captive
5. to harbour the harbourless
6. to visit the sick
7. to bury the dead.
2510. Of what is any kind human misery an obvious sign? (CCC 2448) Any kind human misery is an obvious sign of the inherited condition of frailty and need for salvation in which man finds himself as a consequence of original sin.
2511. Why are the poor the object of a preferential love on the part of the Church? (CCC 2448) The poor are the object of a preferential love on the part of the Church, because Christ identified Himself with the least of His brethren.
2512. What is the seventh commandment? (CCC 2450) The seventh commandment is: You shall not steal.
2513. What does the seventh commandment enjoin? (CCC 2451) The seventh commandment enjoins the practice of justice and charity in the administration of earthly goods.
2514. For whom are the goods of creation destined? (CCC 2452) The goods of creation are destined for the entire human race.
2515. What does the seventh commandment forbid? (CCC 2453) The seventh commandment forbids theft.
2516. What does an injustice committed against the seventh commandment require? (CCC 2454) An injustice committed against the seventh commandment requires reparation.
2517. What does the seventh commandment forbid in order to protect human freedom? (CCC 2455) In order to protect human freedom the seventh commandment forbids the enslavement of human beings or their being bought, sold or exchanged like merchandise.
2518. What obligation is connected to the dominion over the world granted by the Creator? (CCC 2456) Respect for moral obligations, including those toward generations to come, is connected to the dominion over the world granted by the Creator.
2519. How should man treat animals? (CCC 2457) Man should treat animals with kindness.
2520. Why is the Church concerned with the temporal common good? (CCC 2458) The Church is concerned with the temporal common good, because it is ordered to God who is the sovereign Good and man’s ultimate end.
2521. Who is the author, centre and goal of all economic and social life? (CCC 2459) Man is the author, centre and goal of all economic and social life.
2522. Whence does the primordial value of labour stem? (CCC 2460) The primordial value of labour stems from man.
2523. With what is true development concerned? (CCC 2461) True development is concerned with the whole man and with increasing each person’s ability to respond to his vocation and hence to God’s call.
2524. To what kind of charity does giving alms to the poor belong? (CCC 2462) Giving alms to the poor belongs to fraternal charity.
2525. When does Christ explicitly identify Himself with the poor? (CCC 2463) Christ identifies Himself explicitly with the poor when He says: “As you did it not to one of the least of these, you did it not to me” (Mt 25).
2526. What is the eighth commandment? (CCC 2464) The eighth commandment is: “You shall not bear false witness against your neighbour.”
2527. What does the eighth commandment forbid? (CCC 2464) The eighth commandment forbids misrepresenting the truth in our relations with others.
2528. Why are the faithful called to live in the truth? (CCC 2465) The faithful are called to live in the truth, because God Himself is true and the source of all truth.
2529. In which words does Christ teach the unconditional love of truth? (CCC 2466) Christ teaches the unconditional love of truth in the words: “Let what you say be simply ‘Yes or No.’”
2530. What is truthfulness? (CCC 2468) Truthfulness is uprightness in human action and speech and in guarding against duplicity, dissimulation and hypocrisy.
2531. Where does Christ say that He came to bear witness to the truth? (CCC 2471) Christ says before Pilate that He came to bear witness to the truth (Jn 18).
2532. What is witness? (CCC 2472) Witness is an act of justice that establishes the truth or makes it known.
2533. What is martyrdom? (CCC 2473) Martyrdom is giving supreme witness to the truth of the Faith unto death.
2534. What are the acts of the Martyrs? (CCC 2474) The acts of the Martyrs are the collected records of those who witnessed their faith unto death.
2535. What is the most direct offence against truth? (CCC 2475-2487) The most direct offence against truth is lying.
2536. What is false witness? (CCC 2476) False witness is a statement in court contrary to the truth.
2537. What is perjury? (CCC 2476) Perjury is a statement under oath contrary to the truth.
2538. What attitudes does respect for the reputation of persons forbid? (CCC 2477) Respect for the reputation of persons forbids:
1. rash judgment
2. detraction
3. calumny.
2539. What is rash judgment? (CCC 2477) Rash judgment is when somebody, even tacitly, assumes as true, without sufficient foundation, the moral fault of a neighbour.
2540. What is detraction? (CCC 2477) Detraction is the disclosure of another’s faults and failings to persons who did not know them, without objectively valid reason.
2541. What is calumny? (CCC 2477) Calumny is to harm the reputation of others by remarks contrary to the truth.
2542. How can rash judgment be avoided? (CCC 2478) Rash judgment can be avoided by interpreting his neighbour’s thoughts, words and deeds in a favourable way.
2543. What do detraction and calumny destroy? (CCC 2479) Detraction and calumny destroy the reputation and honour of one’s neighbour.
Honour is the social witness given to human dignity.
2544. When is adulation a grave sin? (CCC 2480) Adulation is a grave sin when it makes one an accomplice in another’s vices or grave sins.
2545. Under what circumstances is adulation a venial sin? (CCC 2480) Adulation is a venial sin when it only seeks to be agreeable, to avoid evil, to meet a need or to obtain legitimate advantages.
2546. When is irony a sin? (CCC 2481) Irony is a sin when it is aimed at disparaging someone by maliciously caricaturing some aspect of his behaviour.
2547. How does Christ relate the lie to the devil? (CCC 2482) Christ relates the lie to the devil by saying that the devil is the father of lies (Jn 8).
2548. What is a lie? (CCC 2483) A lie is to speak or act against the truth in order to lead someone into error.
2549. How is the gravity of a lie measured? (CCC 2484) The gravity of a lie is measured against:
1. the nature of the truth it deforms
2. the intentions of the one who lies
3. the circumstances (e.g. the harm suffered by the victims).
2550. Why is lying destructive of society? (CCC 2486) Lying is destructive of society, because it undermines trust among men and tears apart the fabric of social relationships.
2551. How does respect for the truth in the disclosure of it express itself? (CCC 2488) Respect for the truth in the disclosure of it expresses itself through the judgment whether or not it is appropriate to reveal the truth to someone who asks for it.
2552. What are reasons to be silent about what ought not be known? (CCC 2489) Reasons to be silent about what ought not be know are:
1. the good and safety of others
2. respect for privacy
3. the common good
4. the duty to avoid scandal.
2553. What is the secret of the sacrament of reconciliation? (CCC 2490) The secret of the sacrament of reconciliation is the strict prohibition that forbids the confessor in any way to betray a penitent by word or in any other manner or for any reason.
The secret of the sacrament of reconciliation cannot be violated under any pretext.
2554. What are professional secrets? (CCC 2491) Professional secrets are confidential information given under the seal of secrecy which must be kept save in exceptional cases.
2555. How is interference by the media in the private lives of men to be considered? (CCC 2492) Interference by the media in the private lives of men is to be considered immoral to the extent that it infringes upon the privacy and freedom of people.
2556. Why are the media mentioned under the eighth commandment? (CCC 2493-2499) The media are mentioned under the eighth commandment, because the media are in a special way connected with the use and abuse of the truth.
2557. At whose service is the information provided by the media? (CCC 2494) The information provided by the media is at the service of the common good.
2558. What does the proper exercise of society’s right to information demand? (CCC 2494) The proper exercise of society’s right to information demands that:
1. the content of the communication be true and complete
2. it is communicated honestly and properly
3. by it the moral law and the rights and dignity of man is upheld.
2559. How are the media used in a proper way? (CCC 2496) The media are used in a proper way with:
1. vigilance and resistance of bad influences
2. moderation and discipline.
2560. What are the duties of a journalist? (CCC 2497) The duties of a journalist are:
1. to serve the truth
2. not to offend against charity
3. to respect the nature of the facts
4. to respect the limits of critical judgment concerning individuals
5. not to stoop to defamation.
2561. What are the duties of civil authorities in the field of media information? (CCC 2498) The duties of civil authorities in the field of media information are:
1. to defend and safeguard a true and just freedom of information
2. to protect public morality and social progress
3. to punish any violation of the rights of individuals
4. to respond to the concerns of the people.
2562. Why are truth and beauty connected? (CCC 2500) Truth and beauty are connected, because truth is beautiful in itself.
2563. What is the very first revelation of God to man? (CCC 2500) The very first revelation of God to man is His revelation through the universal language of creation.
2564. What is art? (CCC 2501) Art is a form of practical wisdom which unites knowledge and skill, to give form to the truth of reality in a language accessible to sight or hearing.
2565. To what extent does art bear a certain likeness to God’s creative activity? (CCC 2501) Art bears a certain likeness to God’s creative activity to the extent that it is inspired by truth and love of beings.
2566. When is sacred art true and beautiful? (CCC 2502) Sacred art is true and beautiful when it:
1. evokes and glorifies the mystery of God
2. draws man to adoration, prayer and the love of God.
2567. How should the bishops care for the sacred art? (CCC 2503) The bishops should care for the sacred art by:
1. promoting it in all its forms
2. removing everything which is not conform with faith and beauty.
2568. What is the eighth commandment? (CCC 2504) The eighth commandment is: You shall not bear false witness against your neighbour.
2569. What is truth or truthfulness? (CCC 2505) Truth or truthfulness is the virtue which consists in showing oneself true in deeds and truthful in words and guarding against duplicity, dissimulation and hypocrisy.
2570. What is martyrdom? (CCC 2506) Martyrdom is the supreme witness unto death given to the truth of the Faith.
2571. Why are detraction and calumny forbidden? (CCC 2507) Detraction and calumny are forbidden because of the respect due to the reputation and honour of persons.
2572. What is a lie? (CCC 2508) A lie is to speak or act against the truth in order to lead someone into error.
2573. What does an offence committed against truth require even if its author has received forgiveness? (CCC 2509) Even if its author has received forgiveness, an offence committed against truth requires reparation.
2574. How can one discern whether or not to reveal the truth to someone asking for it? (CCC 2510) One can discern whether or not to reveal the truth to someone asking for it with the help of the golden rule.
2575. Does the seal of confession know any exceptions? (CCC 2511) No, the seal of confession knows no exceptions.
2576. How should the media be used? (CCC 2512) The media should be used with moderation and discipline.
2577. What is the purpose of sacred art? (CCC 2513) The purpose of sacred art is:
1. to express the infinite beauty of God
2. to turn men’s minds devoutly toward God.
2578. What is the ninth commandment? (CCC 2514) The ninth commandment is: “You shall not covet your neighbour’s wife.”
2579. What does the ninth commandment forbid? (CCC 2514) The ninth commandment forbids the indulgence of carnal concupiscence.
2580. What three kinds of concupiscence does 1 Jn 2 list? (CCC 2514) 1 Jn 2 lists the following three kinds of concupiscence:
1. lust of the flesh
2. lust of the eyes
3. pride of life.
2581. What is concupiscence? (CCC 2515) Concupiscence is the movement of the sensitive appetite contrary to the operation of the human reason.
2582. How does St Paul call concupiscence? (CCC 2515) St Paul calls concupiscence the rebellion of the “flesh” against the “spirit”.
2583. Where does concupiscence stem from? (CCC 2515) Concupiscence stems from the original sin.
2584. What is the effect of concupiscence? (CCC 2515) The effect of concupiscence is that it unsettles man’s moral faculties and without being in itself an offence, inclines man to commit sins.
2585. Why do we need purification of the heart? (CCC 2517) We need purification of the heart, because out of the heart comes all sin.
2586. What does the sixth beatitude promise to the pure of heart? (CCC 2518) The sixth beatitude promises to the pure of heart that they shall see God (Mt 5).
2587. What three areas does purity of heart regard? (CCC 2518) Purity of heart regards:
1. charity
2. chastity
3. love of truth and orthodoxy of faith.
2588. What are the enemies in the battle for purity of the baptised? (CCC 2520) The enemies in the battle for purity of the baptised are concupiscence of the flesh and disordered desires.
2589. What are the four means in the battle for purity? (CCC 2520) The four means in the battle for purity are:
1. the virtue and gift of chastity
2. the purity of intention
3. the purity of vision
4. prayer.
2590. What is the effect of chastity? (CCC 2520) The effect of chastity is to let us love with upright and undivided heart.
2591. In what does purity of intention consist? (CCC 2520) Purity of intention consists in seeking man’s true end.
2592. What is modesty? (CCC 2521) Modesty is refusing to unveil what should remain hidden.
2593. To which cardinal virtue does modesty belong? (CCC 2521) Modesty belongs to the cardinal virtue of temperance.
2594. What attitudes does modesty encourage in loving relationships? (CCC 2522) In loving relationships modesty encourages patience and moderation.
2595. What is the purpose of purifying the social climate? (CCC 2525) The purpose of purifying the social climate is to achieve freedom from eroticism, voyeurism and illusion.
2596. Why does moral permissiveness not lead into freedom? (CCC 2526) Moral permissiveness does not lead into freedom, because the precondition for the development of freedom is education in the moral law.
2597. How is adultery committed in the heart? (CCC 2528) Adultery is committed in the heart by looking at a woman lustfully.
2598. Against what does the ninth commandment warn? (CCC 2529) The ninth commandment warns against lust or carnal concupiscence.
2599. What are the four means in the battle for purity? (CCC 2530) The four means in the battle for purity are:
1. the virtue and gift of chastity
2. the purity of intention
3. the purity of vision
4. prayer.
2600. What is promised to the pure of heart? (CCC 2531) To the pure of heart is promised to see God and to see things according to God.
2601. What does purification of the heart demand? (CCC 2532) Purification of the heart demands prayer, chastity and purity of intention and vision.
2602. What is modesty? (CCC 2533) Modesty is patience, decency and discretion.
2603. What is the tenth commandment? (CCC 2534) The tenth commandment is: “You shall not covet your neighbour’s goods.”
2604. What does the tenth commandment forbid? (CCC 2534) The tenth commandment forbids coveting the goods of another as the root of theft, robbery and fraud.
2605. What leads us to desire pleasant things we do not have? (CCC 2535) The sensitive appetite leads us to desire pleasant things we do not have.
E.g. the desire to eat when we are hungry or to warm ourselves when we are cold.
2606. When do the desires of the sensitive appetite become disordered? (CCC 2535) The desires of the sensitive appetite become disordered when they exceed the limits of reason and drive us to covet unjustly what is not ours.
2607. What is greed? (CCC 2536) Greed is the immoderate desire for earthly goods.
2608. What is avarice? (CCC 2536) Avarice is the immoderate desire for earthly riches.
2609. When is desiring what belongs to one’s neigbour legitimate? (CCC 2537) Desiring what belongs to one’s neigbour is legitimate if it is done by just means.
2610. What is envy? (CCC 2539) Envy is the sadness at the sight of another’s goods and the immoderate desire to acquire them for oneself, even unjustly.
2611. How does St Augustine call envy? (CCC 2539) St Augustine († 430) calls envy the diabolical sin.
2612. How should a baptised person combat envy? (CCC 2540) A baptised person should combat envy through
1. good-will
2. humility
3. abandonment to Providence.
2613. What instructs men in the desires of the Spirit? (CCC 2541) The economy of law and grace instructs men in the desires of the Spirit.
2614. Why did the Law entrusted to Israel not suffice to justify those subject to it? (CCC 2542) The Law entrusted to Israel did not suffice to justify those subject to it because of the gap between wanting and doing.
2615. How is the human gap between wanting and doing overcome? (CCC 2543) The human gap between wanting and doing is overcome through the righteousness of God through faithfulness of Jesus Christ for all who believe.
2616. What is poverty of heart? (CCC 2544) Poverty of heart is to prefer Christ to everything and everyone.
2617. How does St Gregory of Nyssa understand the poverty in spirit? (CCC 2546) St Gregory of Nyssa (before AD 400) understands the poverty in spirit as voluntary humility.
2618. What does the first beatitude promise to the poor in spirit? (CCC 2547) The first beatitude promises to the poor in spirit the Kingdom of heaven.
2619. What is the desire to see God? (CCC 2548) The desire to see God is the wish to possess Him.
2620. How does St Augustine explain the fulfilment of our desires in God? (CCC 2550) St Augustine († 430) explains the fulfilment of our desires in God by saying that then we shall:
1. contemplate Him without end
2. love Him without surfeit
3. praise Him without weariness.
2621. What does Mt 6 say about our heart and our treasure? (CCC 2551) Mt 6 says about our heart and our treasure that where our treasure is, there will our heart be also.
2622. What does the tenth commandment forbid? (CCC 2552) The tenth commandment forbids coveting the goods of another as the root of theft, robbery and fraud.
2623. What is envy? (CCC 2553) Envy is sadness at the sight of another’s goods and the immoderate desire to have them for oneself.
2624. How should a baptised person combat envy? (CCC 2554) A baptised person should combat envy through
1. good-will
2. humility
3. abandonment to Providence.
2625. What desires do the faithful follow? (CCC 2555) The faithful follow the desires of the Holy Spirit.
2626. Why are the poor in spirit blessed? (CCC 2556) The poor in spirit are blessed, because detachment from riches is necessary for entering the Kingdom of heaven.
2627. What is the true desire of man? (CCC 2557) The true desire of man is to see God.
2628. What is prayer? (CCC 2559) Prayer is the raising of one’s mind and heart to God or the requesting of good things from God.
2629. How does St Augustine explain that in our prayer God makes the first step? (CCC 2560) St Augustine († 430) explains that in our prayer God makes the first step, by saying: “God thirsts that we may thirst for Him.”
2630. What does Scripture identify as the human source of prayer? (CCC 2562) Scripture identifies the heart as the human source of prayer.
2631. What is the heart? (CCC 2563) The heart is our hidden centre, the dwelling-place where I am.
2632. Who only can fully know the human heart? (CCC 2563) Only the Spirit of God can fully know the human heart.
2633. Whose action is Christian prayer? (CCC 2564) Christian prayer is the action of God and of man in Christ.
2634. What is the life of prayer? (CCC 2565) The life of prayer is the habit of being in the presence of and in communion with the Trinity.
2635. Why is man in search of God? (CCC 2566) Man is in search of God, because he is an image of his Creator and retains the desire for the one who calls him into existence.
2636. What is always the first thing to happen in prayer? (CCC 2567) The first thing to happen in prayer is always God’s initiative of love operating through prevenient grace.
2637. Through what figures does prayer begin in the times of creation? (CCC 2569) Prayer begins in the times of creation through:
1. Abel’s offering
2. the invocation of God’s name at the time of Enosh
3. Enoch’s walking with God
4. Noah’s offering.
2638. Where does Abraham’s first prayer in words appear in the Old Testament? (CCC 2570) Abraham’s first prayer in words appears in Gen 15.
2639. What does Abraham’s hospitality at Mamre foreshadow? (CCC 2571) Abraham’s hospitality at Mamre foreshadows the annunciation of the true Son of the promise (Gen 18).
2640. What is the final stage in the purification of Abraham’s faith? (CCC 2572) The final stage in the purification of Abraham’s faith is when God asks him to sacrifice his son Isaac (Gen 22).
2641. What teaching about prayer can be drawn from the nightly battle of Jacob? (CCC 2573) From the nightly battle of Jacob the teaching can be drawn that prayer is a battle of faith and the triumph of perseverance (Gen 32).
2642. Of what kind of prayer does Moses give the most striking example? (CCC 2574) Moses gives the most striking example of intercessory prayer.
2643. In what circumstances does God call Moses? (CCC 2575) God calls Moses from the midst of the burning bush (Ex 3).
2644. How did God use to speak to Moses? (CCC 2576) God used to speak to Moses face to face, as a man speaks to his friend.
2645. Whence did Moses draw strength for his intercession? (CCC 2577) Moses drew strength for his intercession from his intimacy with God who spoke to him face to face.
2646. From whom did the prophet Samuel learn to pray? (CCC 2578) The prophet Samuel learned to pray from his mother Hannah and from the priest Eli.
2647. What is king David’s main contribution to prayer? (CCC 2579) King David’s main contribution to prayer is his psalms.
2648. What is the famous prayer of king Salomon? (CCC 2580) The famous prayer of king Salomon is the prayer at the dedication of the Temple (1 King 8).
2649. How did the prophets contribute to improve prayer? (CCC 2581) The prophets contributed to improve prayer by educating the people in faith and conversion of heart.
2650. Who is the “father” of the prophets? (CCC 2582) The “father” of the prophets is Elijah (1 King 17-21).
2651. When does Elijah behold the unveiled face of Him whom he sought? (CCC 2583) On the mountain of the Transfiguration Elijah beholds the unveiled face of Him whom he sought (Mt 17).
2652. What is the masterwork of prayer in the Old Testament? (CCC 2585) The masterwork of prayer in the Old Testament is the Psalms.
The 150 psalms are collected into the five books of the Psalter.
2653. Why are the Psalms essential to the prayer of the Church? (CCC 2586) The Psalms are essential to the prayer of the Church, because they are prayed and fulfilled in Christ.
2654. What are the main kinds of psalms? (CCC 2588) The main kinds of psalms are:
1. hymns
2. prayers of lamentation or thanksgiving
3. royal chants
4. songs of pilgrimage
5. wisdom-meditations.
2655. What are the characteristics of the Psalms? (CCC 2589) The characteristics of the Psalms are:
1. simplicity and spontaneity of prayer
2. the desire for God
3. the distraught situation of the believer
4. the praise.
2656. What is prayer? (CCC 2590) Prayer is the raising of one’s mind and heart to God or the requesting of good things from God.
2657. What is the beginning of prayer? (CCC 2591) The beginning of prayer is God who tirelessly calls each person.
2658. What Old Testament figure shows that prayer is a battle? (CCC 2592) Jacob shows through his nightly struggle with the angel that prayer is a battle.
2659. What does Moses’ intercessory prayer foreshadow? (CCC 2593) Moses’ intercessory prayer foreshadows the prayer of intercession of the unique mediator, Christ Jesus.
2660. What is the Old Testament house of prayer? (CCC 2594) The Temple in Jerusalem is the Old Testament house of prayer.
2661. What was the double function of the prophets regarding prayer? (CCC 2595) The double function of the prophets regarding prayer was:
1. to summon the people to conversion of heart
2. to intercede for the people.
2662. What is the masterwork of prayer in the Old Testament? (CCC 2596) The masterwork of prayer in the Old Testament are the Psalms.
2663. Why are the Psalms essential to the prayer of the Church? (CCC 2597) The Psalms are essential to the prayer of the Church, because they are prayed and fulfilled in Christ.
2664. In whom is prayer fully revealed to us? (CCC 2598) Prayer is fully revealed to us in Christ.
2665. How can we learn to understand Christ’s prayer? (CCC 2598) We can learn to understand Christ’s prayer by:
1. contemplating Him in prayer
2. hearing how He teaches us to pray.
2666. How is the newness of Christ’s prayer revealed? (CCC 2599) The newness of Christ’s prayer is revealed in His filial prayer.
2667. Which Gospel pays most attention to the prayer in Christ’s ministry? (CCC 2600) The Gospel of St Luke pays most attention to the prayer in Christ’s ministry.
2668. In what circumstances does Christ prefer to pray? (CCC 2602) Christ prefers to pray in solitude, on a mountain, preferably at night.
2669. What two public prayers of Christ are preserved in the Gospels? (CCC 2603-2604) The two public prayers of Christ preserved in the Gospels are:
1. His prayer in Mt 11 (“I thank you Father”)
2. His prayer before the raising of Lazarus (Jn 11).
2670. How is Christ’s filial prayer revealed in His last words on the Cross? (CCC 2605) Christ’s filial prayer is revealed in His last words on the Cross when He says: “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do” and “Father, into Your hands I commit my spirit!”
2671. What does the last “loud cry” of Christ on the Cross contain? (CCC 2606) The last “loud cry” of Christ on the Cross contains:
1. all the troubles of humanity enslaved by sin and death
2. all the petitions and intercessions of salvation history.
2672. In what three steps does Christ teach us to pray? (CCC 2608-2610) Christ teaches us to pray by:
1. insisting on conversion of heart
2. teaching to pray in faith
3. teaching filial boldness.
2673. In what does conversion of heart consist? (CCC 2608) Conversion of heart consists in:
1. reconciliation with one’s brother
2. love of enemies
3. prayer for persecutors
4. prayer to the Father in secret
5. not heaping up empty phrases
6. forgiveness from the heart
7. purity of heart
8. seeking the Kingdom before all else.
2674. What is the filial boldness of the Christian? (CCC 2610) The filial boldness of the Christian is an attitude that does not doubt that all things are possible to him who believes.
2675. Why is there a need for watchfulness in prayer? (CCC 2612) There is a need for watchfulness in prayer in order to be attentive to Him who Is and Him who Comes.
2676. What are the three principal parables on prayer in the Gospel of Luke? (CCC 2613) The three principal parables on prayer in the Gospel of Luke are:
1. “the importunate friend” (Lk 11)
2. “the importunate widow” (Lk 18)
3. “the Pharisee and the tax collector” (Lk 18).
2677. How do the faithful have to pray once Christ has returned to the Father? (CCC 2614) Once Christ has returned to the Father, the faithful have to pray in His name.
2678. What will the Father give us when our prayer is united with that of Christ? (CCC 2615) When our prayer is united with that of Christ, the Father will give us another Counsellor who is the Spirit of truth.
2679. What does the Jesus Prayer say? (CCC 2616) The Jesus Prayer says: “Lord, Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner!”
2680. How does St Augustine sum up the three dimensions of Christ’s prayer? (CCC 2616) St Augustine († 430) sums up the three dimensions of Christ’s prayer in this way:
1. Christ prays for us as our priest.
2. Christ prays in us as our Head.
3. Christ is prayed to by us as our God.
2681. How does the Virgin Mary respond to God in prayer? (CCC 2617) The Virgin Mary responds to God in prayer by offering her whole being.
2682. Where is Our Lady's intercessory function seen for the first time? (CCC 2618) Our Lady’s intercessory function is seen for the first time at the wedding feast of Cana.
2683. How is the famous Canticle of Mary in Lk 1 called? (CCC 2619) The famous Canticle of Mary in Lk 1 is called the Magnificat (Latin) or Megalynei (Byzantine).
2684. Why is Jesus’ prayer the perfect model of prayer? (CCC 2620) Jesus’ prayer is the perfect model of prayer, because it is a filial prayer.
2685. How should one pray according to the teaching of Christ? (CCC 2621) According to the teaching of Christ, one should pray with:
1. a purified heart
2. persevering faith
3. filial boldness.
2686. How are the prayers of the Virgin Mary characterized? (CCC 2622) The prayers of the Virgin Mary are characterized by the offering of her whole being in faith.
2687. When did the Spirit appear that teaches the Church how to pray? (CCC 2623) The Spirit that teaches the Church how to pray appeared on the day of Pentecost.
2688. What sequence is characteristic of the Church’s prayer? (CCC 2624) The sequence characteristic of the Church’s prayer is:
1. founded on the apostolic faith
2. authenticated by charity
3. nourished in the Eucharist.
2689. What forms of prayer remain normative for Christian prayer? (CCC 2625) The forms of prayer revealed in the Scriptures remain normative for Christian prayer.
These forms are: blessing, adoration, petition, intercession, thanksgiving and praise.
2690. What is the prayer of blessing? (CCC 2626) The prayer of blessing is man’s response to God’s gifts.
2691. What are the two fundamental forms of the prayer of blessing? (CCC 2627) The two fundamental forms of the prayer of blessing are:
1. our prayer ascending to the Father
2. grace descending from the Father.
2692. What is adoration? (CCC 2628) Adoration is the first attitude of man acknowledging that he is a creature before his Creator.
2693. What New Testament vocabulary indicates the prayer of petition? (CCC 2629) The following New Testament vocabulary indicates the prayer of petition: ask, beseech, plead, invoke, entreat, cry out, even “struggle in prayer”.
2694. What is the first movement of the prayer of petition? (CCC 2631) The first movement of the prayer of petition is asking for forgiveness.
2695. On what is Christian petition centred? (CCC 2632) Christian petition is centred on the desire and search for the Kingdom to come.
2696. What is the hierarchy in Christian petitions? (CCC 2632) The hierarchy in Christian petitions is to pray first for the Kingdom and then for what is necessary to welcome it.
2697. What is intercessory prayer? (CCC 2634) Intercessory prayer is prayer of petition on behalf of others.
2698. Who is the one intercessor with the Father on behalf of all men? (CCC 2634) The one intercessor with the Father on behalf of all men is Christ.
2699. What shows the importance of the prayer of thanksgiving? (CCC 2637) The fact that the Eucharist is a prayer of thanksgiving shows the importance of the prayer of thanksgiving.
Eucharist comes from Greek eucharistein which means “to give thanks”.
2700. Where in the New Testament is thanksgiving especially present? (CCC 2638) Thanksgiving is especially present in the beginning and end of the letters of St Paul.
2701. What is the prayer of praise? (CCC 2639) The prayer of praise is the form of prayer which recognizes most immediately that God is God.
2702. How are prayers of praise expressed in the New Testament? (CCC 2641) Prayers of praise are expressed in the New Testament in hymns and canticles.
2703. What prayer is called the Sacrifice of Praise? (CCC 2643) The Eucharist is called the Sacrifice of Praise”.
2704. What are the five basic forms of prayer? (CCC 2644) The five basic forms of prayer are:
1. blessing
2. petition
3. intercession
4. thanksgiving
5. praise.
2705. Why can we bless God? (CCC 2645) We can bless God, because He who is the source of every blessing blesses the human heart.
2706. What are the objects of the prayer of petition? (CCC 2646) The objects of the prayer of petitions are:
1. forgiveness
2. the quest for the Kingdom
3. every true need.
2707. What is the prayer of intercession? (CCC 2647) The prayer of intercession is the prayer of petition on behalf of another.
2708. What can become the matter for thanksgiving? (CCC 2648) Every joy and suffering, every event and need can become the matter for thanksgiving.
2709. What is prayer of praise? (CCC 2649) Prayer of praise is the prayer that gives God glory for His own sake.
2710. How can one learn to pray? (CCC 2650) One can learn to pray through the living transmission of prayer within the Church.
2711. Who is the teacher of prayer? (CCC 2650) The teacher of prayer is the Holy Spirit.
2712. What are the four sources of prayer? (CCC 2652-2660) The four sources of prayer are:
1. the word of God
2. the Liturgy
3. the theological virtues
4. the events of each day.
2713. Why should prayer accompany the reading of Sacred Scripture? (CCC 2653) Prayer should accompany the reading of Sacred Scripture so that a dialogue takes place between God and man.
2714. What heart does the word of God dispose? (CCC 2654) The word of God disposes the praying heart that:
1. seeks in reading
2. finds in meditating
3. knocks in mental prayer
4. finds opening by contemplation.
2715. Why must prayer accompany the celebration of the Liturgy? (CCC 2655) Prayer must accompany the celebration of the Liturgy in order to internalize and assimilate the Liturgy during and after its celebration.
2716. By what narrow gate does one enter into prayer? (CCC 2656) One enters into prayer by the narrow gate of faith.
2717. Why is hope important in prayer? (CCC 2657) Hope is important in prayer, because we pray in expectation of Christ’s return.
2718. Why is love the source of prayer? (CCC 2658) Love is the source of prayer, because the love by which we are loved in Christ enables us to respond to Him by loving as He has loved us.
2719. By means of what does the Holy Spirit in the Church teach the faithful to pray? (CCC 2661) The Holy Spirit in the Church teaches the faithful to pray by the living Tradition of prayer.
2720. What are the four sources of prayer? (CCC 2662) The four sources of prayer are:
1. the word of God
2. the Liturgy
3. the theological virtues
4. the events of each day.
2721. What is the task of the Magisterium concerning the different ways of prayer? (CCC 2663) The task of the Magisterium concerning the different ways of prayer is to discern their fidelity to the tradition of apostolic faith.
The Magisterium is the teaching office of the Church.
2722. When only does prayer have access to the Father? (CCC 2664) Prayer only has access to the Father, when we pray in the name of Christ.
2723. What is the one name that contains everything? (CCC 2666) The one name that contains everything is the name of Jesus.
2724. How did the invocation of Jesus’ name develop in the East? (CCC 2667) The invocation of Jesus’ name developed in the East in the Jesus prayer.
“Lord, Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner!”
2725. What is the simplest way of praying always? (CCC 2668) The simplest way of praying always is the invocation of the holy name of Jesus.
2726. What devotions are connected to the person of Jesus Christ? (CCC 2669) The devotions connected to the person of Jesus Christ are the veneration of His Holy Heart and His Holy Name and the Way of the Cross.
2727. How does the Holy Spirit draw us on the way of prayer? (CCC 2670) The Holy Spirit draws us on the way of prayer by His prevenient grace.
2728. What is the traditional form of petition for the Holy Spirit? (CCC 2671) The traditional form of petition for the Holy Spirit is to invoke the Father through Christ to give us the Holy Spirit.
2729. What is the simplest and most direct prayer to the Holy Spirit? (CCC 2671) The simplest and most direct prayer to the Holy Spirit is: “Come, Holy Spirit!”
2730. Who is the interior master of Christian prayer? (CCC 2672) The interior master of Christian prayer is the Holy Spirit.
2731. Why do we pray in communion with the holy Mother of God? (CCC 2674) We pray in communion with the holy Mother of God, because she:
1. shows the way (Greek: hodigítria)
2. is “the Sign” of the way.
2732. What are the two great themes in the prayer to Our Lady? (CCC 2675) The two great themes in the prayer to Our Lady are:
1. the praise of the Lord for what He did for Our Lady and all men
2. the entrustment of the Church’s prayer to Our Lady.
2733. What is the most important prayer to Our Lady? (CCC 2676) The most important prayer to Our Lady is the Ave Maria.
2734. What Marian prayer is a popular substitute for the Liturgy of the Hours? (CCC 2678) The rosary is a popular substitute for the Liturgy of the Hours.
2735. What is the most popular Marian devotion in the Byzantine Church? (CCC 2678) The most popular Marian devotion in the Byzantine Church is the litany called Akathistos.
2736. To whom is prayer primarily addressed? (CCC 2680) Prayer is primarily addressed to the Father.
2737. What is the task of the Holy Spirit in praying? (CCC 2681) The task of the Holy Spirit in praying is to be the interior Teacher of Christian prayer.
2738. Why does the Church pray to Our Lady? (CCC 2682) The Church prays to Our Lady in order to magnify her and the things God has done for and through her and to entrust supplications and praises to her.
2739. How do the saints sustain the prayer of the Church? (CCC 2683) The saints sustain the prayer of the Church by:
1. the example of their lives
2. the transmission of their writings
3. their intercession for us in heaven.
2740. What is a spirituality? (CCC 2684) A spirituality is a saint’s personal charism that has been handed on so that their followers may have a share in it.
2741. What is the first place of education in prayer? (CCC 2685) The first place of education in prayer is the Christian family.
2742. How do priests and bishops help the formation in prayer of the faithful? (CCC 2686) Priests and bishops help the formation in prayer of the faithful by:
1. the word of God
2. the Liturgy
3. the life in the theological virtues
4. the understanding of the events of each day.
2743. Which religious consecrate their whole lives to prayer? (CCC 2687) The religious who consecrate their whole lives to prayer are the hermits, monks and nuns.
2744. How does catechesis educate in the practice of prayer? (CCC 2688) Catechesis educates in the practice of prayer by teaching:
1. to meditate on the word of God
2. to practice it in liturgical prayer
3. to internalize it at all times.
2745. Is it necessary to memorize the basic prayers? (CCC 2688) Yes, it is necessary to memorize the basic prayers, because this offers an essential support to the life of prayer.
2746. What is the function of prayer groups in the education of prayer? (CCC 2689) The function of prayer groups in the education of prayer is to be schools of prayer.
2747. What is spiritual direction? (CCC 2690) Spiritual direction is a task fulfilled by certain faithful, especially priests, who counsel others in questions of prayer and spiritual life.
2748. What are the most appropriate places for prayer? (CCC 2691) The most appropriate places for prayer are:
1. the church for the liturgical prayer of the parish
2. a prayer corner for personal prayer
3. a monastery as a place for more intense personal prayer
4. pilgrimages as symbols of our earthly journey toward heaven.
2749. What does the Church ask from the saints? (CCC 2692) The Church asks from the saints their intercession.
2750. What are the schools of Christian spirituality? (CCC 2693) The schools of Christian spirituality are bearers of the Church’s tradition of prayer and guides for the spiritual life.
2751. What is the first place for education in prayer? (CCC 2694) The first place for education in prayer is the Christian family.
2752. Who are the guides of prayer in the Church? (CCC 2695) The guides of prayer in the Church are:
1. the bishops, priests and deacons
2. the religious
3. the catechists
4. prayer groups
5. spiritual directors.
2753. What are the most appropriate places for prayer? (CCC 2696) The most appropriate places for prayer are:
1. the church
2. personal oratories
3. monasteries
4. places of pilgrimage.
2754. How often must we remember God according to St Gregory of Nazianzus? (CCC 2697) According to St Gregory of Nazianzus (before AD 400) we must remember God more often than we draw breath.
2755. What are the major times of prayer in the Church? (CCC 2698) The major times of prayer in the Church are:
1. morning and evening prayer
2. grace before and after meals
3. the Liturgy of the Hours
4. Sunday
5. the cycle of the liturgical year and its great feasts.
2756. What are the three major expressions of prayer? (CCC 2699) The three major expressions of prayer are vocal, meditative and contemplative prayer.
2757. What is vocal prayer? (CCC 2701) Vocal prayer is a prayer expressed in words which are spoken out aloud.
2758. When does Christ engage in vocal prayer? (CCC 2701) Christ engages in vocal prayer:
1. in the liturgical prayers of the synagogue
2. in raising His voice from blessing of the Father to the agony of Gethsemani.
2759. Why is vocal prayer important? (CCC 2702) Vocal prayer is important, because man experiences the need to translate his feelings externally.
2760. What is meditation? (CCC 2705) Meditation is above all a quest in which the mind seeks to understand spiritual things.
2761. What are the tools that help meditation? (CCC 2705) The tools that help meditation are:
1. the Sacred Scripture
2. icons
3. liturgical texts
4. writings of the spiritual fathers
5. works of spirituality
6. the creation and human history.
2762. What are the two most common ways to meditate on the mysteries of Christ? (CCC 2708) The two most common ways to meditate on the mysteries of Christ are lectio divina and the rosary.
2763. What is lectio divina? (CCC 2708) Lectio divina is the prayerful reflection over biblical and other spiritual texts.
2764. What is contemplative prayer according to St Teresa of Avila? (CCC 2709) According to St Teresa of Avila (around AD 1550), contemplative prayer is a close sharing between friends.
2765. Where does contemplative prayer take place? (CCC 2710) Contemplative prayer takes place in the heart.
2766. How does one enter into contemplative prayer? (CCC 2711) One enters into contemplative prayer by:
1. recollecting us under the prompting of the Holy Spirit
2. abiding in our heart, the dwelling place of the Lord
3. awakening our faith in order to enter into God’s presence
4. turning our hearts to the Lord.
2767. How did a peasant of Ars define contemplation? (CCC 2715) A peasant of Ars defined contemplation by saying: “I look at Him and He looks at me.”
2768. How does St John of the Cross define contemplation? (CCC 2717) St John of the Cross († 1591) defines contemplation as silent love.
2769. What is the regular prayer of the Church? (CCC 2720) The regular prayer of the Church is:
1. daily Mass and prayers
2. the Liturgy of the Hours
3. Sunday Eucharist
4. the feasts of the liturgical year.
2770. What are the three major expressions of prayer? (CCC 2721) The three major expressions of prayer are:
1. vocal prayer
2. meditation
3. contemplative prayer.
2771. What is vocal prayer? (CCC 2722) Vocal prayer is the prayer that associates the voice of the body with the interior prayer of the heart.
2772. What is meditation? (CCC 2723) Meditation is a prayerful quest in order to make our own in Faith the subject considered.
2773. What is contemplation? (CCC 2724) Contemplation is silent love, a gaze of faith fixed on Jesus Christ.
2774. Against whom is the battle of prayer directed? (CCC 2725) The battle of prayer is directed against:
1. ourselves
2. the wiles of the Tempter.
2775. What are the sources of the most common objections to prayer? (CCC 2726-2728) The sources of the most common objections to prayer are:
1. an erroneous notion of prayer
2. the mentality of this “present world”
3. failures in prayer.
2776. What are the main erroneous notions of prayer? (CCC 2726) The main erroneous notions of prayer are prayer understood as:
1. a simple psychological activity
2. an effort of concentration to reach mental void
3. a ritual of words and postures
4. a waste of time.
2777. How can a worldly mentality be a hindrance to prayer? (CCC 2727) A worldly mentality can be a hindrance to prayer when it understands prayer according to mere reason, science, production, profit, sensuality and comfort and what it takes to be the “reality”.
2778. How is failure in prayer experienced? (CCC 2728) Failure in prayer is experienced through discouragement, dryness, sadness, pride and resistance.
2779. Why does prayer require humble vigilance of heart? (CCC 2729-2733) Prayer requires humble vigilance because of difficulties and temptations that must be faced during prayer.
2780. What is the habitual and most obvious difficulty in prayer? (CCC 2729) The habitual and most obvious difficulty in prayer is distraction.
2781. How should distractions in prayer be fought? (CCC 2729) Distractions in prayer should be fought by turning back to our hearts.
2782. Why does the battle of prayer require vigilance? (CCC 2730) The battle of prayer requires vigilance in order to fight against the possessive and dominating self that tries to hinder prayer.
2783. What is dryness in prayer? (CCC 2731) Dryness in prayer is when the heart is separated from God, with no taste for thoughts, memories and feelings, even spiritual ones.
2784. How does lack of faith manifest itself in the beginning of a prayer? (CCC 2732) Lack of faith manifests itself in the beginning of a prayer through a thousand labours or cares thought to be urgent and vieing for priority.
2785. What is acedia? (CCC 2733) Acedia is a form of depression due to lax ascetical practice, decreasing vigilance, carelessness of heart.
2786. When is filial trust put to the test? (CCC 2734) Filial trust is put to the test in tribulations, when prayer seems not to be heard.
2787. Why should we not complain when our prayers are not heard? (CCC 2735-2737) We should not complain when our prayers are not heard, because:
1. God cannot be God and at the same time a mere fulfiller of our wishes
2. we do not know how to pray as we ought
3. we may not receive, because we ask wrongly
4. God may have prepared something even greater for us.
2788. What is always the first response to our petition? (CCC 2739) The transformation of the praying heart is always the first response to our petition.
2789. How does Christ make Christian prayer an efficacious petition? (CCC 2740) Christ makes Christian prayer an efficacious petition by praying in us and with us.
2790. When does our prayer obtain all that we ask for? (CCC 2741) Our prayer obtains all that we ask for when it is resolutely united with that of Christ.
2791. Why is persevering in love important for the faithful in prayer? (CCC 2742) Persevering in love is important for the faithful in prayer, because only through love they can fulfil the precept of praying without ceasing.
2792. Who says that prayer is always possible even while cooking? (CCC 2743) It is St John Chrysostom (around AD 400) who says that prayer is always possible even while cooking.
2793. How does St Alphonsus Liguori express that prayer is a vital necessity? (CCC 2744) St Alphonsus Liguori (around AD 1750) expresses that prayer is a vital necessity by saying that those who pray are certainly saved while those who do not pray are certainly damned.
2794. Who prays without ceasing according to Origen? (CCC 2745) According to Origen († 254), he prays without ceasing who unites prayer to works and good works to prayer.
2795. What is the Hour of Jesus? (CCC 2746) The Hour of Jesus is the moment of His passion, death and Resurrection.
2796. What is the prayer of the Hour of Jesus? (CCC 2746) The prayer of the Hour of Jesus is Christ’s prayer transmitted in Jn 17.
The prayer of the hour of Jesus is the longest prayer transmitted by the Gospel.
2797. How is the prayer of the Hour of Jesus commonly called? (CCC 2747) The prayer of the Hour of Jesus is commonly called the “priestly prayer” of Christ.
2798. What is the content of the priestly prayer of Christ? (CCC 2748) The content of the priestly prayer of Christ is a big recapitulation of everything in Christ:
1. God and the world
2. the Word and the flesh
3. eternal life and time
4. love and sin
5. the disciples and the faithful
6. humiliation and glory.
2799. What does it mean that Christ is the Pantocrator? (CCC 2749) That Christ is the Pantocrator means, that He is the Lord to whom the Father has given all things.
Pantocrator is Greek for “ruler over all things”.
2800. What are the themes common to Christ’s priestly prayer and the Our Father? (CCC 2750) The themes common to Christ’s priestly prayer and the Our Father are:
1. concern for the Father’s name
2. zeal for His kingdom
3. the accomplishment of His will
4. delivrance from evil.
2801. What double fight does prayer imply? (CCC 2752) Prayer implies the double fight against ourselves and against the wiles of the Tempter.
2802. Where do the most common objections to prayer arise from? (CCC 2753) The most common objections to prayer arise from:
1. an erroneous notion of prayer
2. the mentality of this “present world”
3. failures in prayer.
2803. What are the two principal difficulties while praying? (CCC 2754) The two principal difficulties while praying are distraction and dryness.
2804. What two frequent temptations threaten prayer? (CCC 2755) The two frequent temptations that threaten prayer are:
1. lack of faith
2. acedia.
2805. When is filial trust put to the test? (CCC 2756) Filial trust is put to the test in tribulations, when prayer seems not be heard.
2806. How long must we pray according to 1 Thess 5? (CCC 2757) According to 1 Thess 5 we must pray constantly.
2807. How is the prayer of the Hour of Jesus in Jn 17 commonly called? (CCC 2758) The prayer of the Hour of Jesus in Jn 17 is commonly called the priestly prayer of Christ.
2808. Where is the “Our Father” found in the New Testament? (CCC 2759) The “Our Father” is found in the New Testament in Mt 6 and in Lk 11.
Mt 6 gives the normally used version of seven petitions while Lk 11 presents a brief text of five petitions.
2809. What is the text of the Our Father according to St Matthew? (CCC 2759) The text of the Our Father according to St Matthew is: Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
2810. What final doxology may conclude the Our Father? (CCC 2760) The final doxology that may conclude the Our Father is: “For the kingdom, the power and the glory are Yours, now and forever.
2811. How does Tertullian call the Our Father? (CCC 2761) Tertullian calls the Our Father “the summary of the whole gospel”.
Tertullian († 225) is an important ecclesiastical author at the time of the Early Church Fathers.
2812. In what sense is the Our Father at the centre of the scriptures? (CCC 2762) The Our Father is at the centre of the scriptures in the sense that it contains and summarizes all the prayers found in the Bible.
2813. In what context is the Our Father found in Mt? (CCC 2763) In Mt the Our Father is found in the context of the Sermon on the Mount (Mt 5-7).
2814. What two things does the Our Father teach according to St Thomas Aquinas? (CCC 2763) According to St Thomas Aquinas († 1274) the Our Father teaches:
1. the things we can rightly desire
2. the order in which we should desire them.
2815. What does the name “The Lord’s Prayer” mean? (CCC 2765) The name “The Lord’s Prayer” means that this prayer is taught and given to us by the Lord Jesus.
2816. Why did the Our Father become the prayer of the Church? (CCC 2767) The Our Father became the prayer of the Church, because the first communities prayed it three times a day, in place of the Jewish “Eighteen Benedictions”.
The Jewish “Eighteen Benedictions”, now 19, are recited on weekdays at each of the three services in the synagogue.
2817. How does the Our Father manifest its liturgical character? (CCC 2768) The Our Father manifests its liturgical character through the plural “our” that expresses a petition for the whole Church.
2818. To what audience are most of the patristic commentaries on the Our Father addressed? (CCC 2769) Most of the patristic commentaries on the Our Father are addressed to catechumens and neophytes.
2819. How does Christ respond to the request of His disciples: “Lord, teach us to pray”? (CCC 2773) Christ responds to the request of His disciples: “Lord, teach us to pray” by entrusting to them the Our Father.
2820. Why is the Our Father the most perfect prayer? (CCC 2774) The Our Father is the most perfect prayer, because it is the summary of the whole Gospel.
2821. Why is the Our Father called “the Lord’s Prayer”? (CCC 2775) The Our Father is called the Lord’s Prayer”, because it is given to us by the Lord Jesus Christ.
2822. Where is the Our Father used in the Liturgy of the Church? (CCC 2776) The Our Father is used in the Liturgy of the Church in:
1. the major hours of the Divine Office
2. the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist.
2823. Why do we “dare” to say the Our Father? (CCC 2777) We “dare” to say the Our Father, because a sinner would not dare to call God ‘Father’, if he were not animated by power from on high.
2824. How is the power of the Spirit called who introduces us into the Our Father? (CCC 2778) The power of the Spirit who introduces us into the Our Father is called parrhesia, straightforward simplicity, filial trust, joyous assurance, humble boldness.
2825. How has the name of the “Father” been revealed to us? (CCC 2779) The name of the “Father” has been revealed to us by the Son.
2826. Why can we invoke God as Father? (CCC 2780-2782) We can invoke God as Father, because:
1. Christ has revealed God as His Father.
2. God has adopted us as His children in Christ.
2827. What two dispositions should praying to our Father develop in us? (CCC 2784-2785) Praying to our Father should develop in us:
1. the desire to become like God the Father
2. a humble and trusting heart.
2828. What does “Our” Father mean? (CCC 2786-2792) “Our” Father means:
1. the new and eternal covenant of ‘our’ God
2. the new communion of God and men in the Church.
2829. Why is the covenant contained in the formulation “Our” Father? (CCC 2787) The covenant is contained in the formulation “Our” Father, because the “our” expresses the fact that “our” Father and “His” people belong to each other.
2830. What is the new communion of God and men expressed in the “Our” Father? (CCC 2790) The new communion of God and men expressed in the “Our” Father is the Church.
2831. Why does praying the Our Father leave individualism behind? (CCC 2792) Praying the Our Father leaves individualism behind, because the “our” at the beginning and the “us” of the last four petitions excludes no one.
2832. How does St Augustine apply “who art in heaven” to the hearts of the baptised? (CCC 2794) St Augustine applies “who art in heaven” to the hearts of the baptised by saying that God dwells also in them, as in His holy temple.
2833. What enables us to return to the Father in heaven? (CCC 2795) Conversion of heart enables us to return to the Father in heaven.
2834. What are the proper attitudes of one who prays the Our Father? (CCC 2797) The proper attitudes of one who prays the Our Father are faithful trust and humble assurance.
2835. Why can we invoke God as Father? (CCC 2798) We can invoke God as Father, because:
1. Christ has revealed God as His Father.
2. God has adopted us as His children in Christ.
2836. With whom does the Our Father bring us into communion? (CCC 2799) The Our Father brings us into communion with the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ.
2837. What two dispositions should praying to our Father develop in us? (CCC 2800) Praying to our Father should develop in us:
1. the desire to become like God the Father
2. a humble and trusting heart.
2838. What are we invoking when we say “Our” Father? (CCC 2801) When we say “Our” Father, we are invoking the new covenant in Jesus Christ that made us adopted sons of the Father in heaven.
2839. What is “heaven” in the expression “who art in heaven”? (CCC 2802) “Heaven” in the expression “who art in heaven” is the true homeland toward which we are heading and which is already present in the hearts of the justified.
2840. How can the seven petitions of the “Our Father” be grouped? (CCC 2803) The seven petitions of the “Our Father” can be grouped into:
1. the first three referring to God and His glory
2. the last four referring to us and our needs.
2841. Why do the first three petitions of the Our Father concern faith, hope and charity? (CCC 2806) The first three petitions of the Our Father concern faith, hope and charity, because:
1. “hallowed be Thy name” strengthens our faith
2. “Thy Kingdom come” fills us with hope
3. “Thy will be done” sets us aflame by charity.
2842. What does ‘to hallow’ mean in “hallowed be Thy name”? (CCC 2807) ‘To hallow’ in “hallowed be Thy name” means ‘to recognize as holy’, ‘to treat in a holy way’.
2843. How is “hallowed be Thy name” put into practice? (CCC 2807) “Hallowed be Thy name” is put into practice by adoration.
Adoration is the first attitude of man acknowledging that he is a creature before his Creator.
2844. Why do God’s holiness and glory explain each other? (CCC 2809) God’s holiness and glory explain each other, because God’s glory is that part of His holiness that He reveals in creation and history.
2845. How did the manifestation of God’s holiness change after original sin? (CCC 2809) The manifestation of God’s holiness changed after original sin as God manifested His holiness by revealing His name, in order to restore man to the image of His Creator.
2846. To whom did God reveal His name for the first time? (CCC 2810) God revealed His name for the first time to Moses (Ex 3).
2847. When is the name of the Holy God revealed to us in the flesh? (CCC 2812) In Jesus Christ the name of the Holy God is revealed to us in the flesh.
2848. What name above all names does Christ receive after His Passover? (CCC 2812) The name above all names that Christ receives after His Passover is: Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
2849. When does the Christian receive sanctification? (CCC 2813) The Christian is sanctified in the waters of Baptism.
2850. How is God’s name hallowed in us according to St Peter Chrysologus? (CCC 2814) According to St Peter Chrysologus († 450) God’s name is hallowed in us through our good deeds.
2851. What does “Kingdom” in the petition “Thy Kingdom come” mean? (CCC 2816) “Kingdom” in the petition “Thy Kingdom come” means:
1. as an abstract noun: Kingship
2. as a concrete noun: Kingdom
3. as an action noun: Reign.
2852. To what does “Thy Kingdom come” primarily refer? (CCC 2818) “Thy Kingdom come” refers primarily to the final coming of the reign of God through Christ’s return.
2853. How does Rom 14 define the Kingdom of God? (CCC 2819) Rom 14 defines the Kingdom of God as righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.
2854. What is the content of God’s will invoked in the petition “Thy will be done”? (CCC 2822) The content of God’s will invoked in the petition “Thy will be done” is that all men may be saved.
2855. What is God’s will according to Eph 1? (CCC 2823) According to Eph 1 God’s will is to gather up all things in Christ.
2856. In what person has the Father’s will been perfectly fulfilled once for all? (CCC 2824) The Father’s will has been perfectly fulfilled once for all in Christ.
2857. How can the faithful accomplish the will of the Father? (CCC 2825) The faithful can accomplish the will of the Father by uniting themselves with the will of Christ.
2858. How can we discern the will of God? (CCC 2826) We can discern the will of God by prayer.
2859. How does St Augustine understand “on earth as it is in heaven”? (CCC 2827) St Augustine († 430) understands “on earth as it is in heaven” as “in the Church as in our Lord Jesus Christ Himself”.
2860. What does “give us” in “give us this day our daily bread” teach? (CCC 2828) “Give us” in “give us this day our daily bread” teaches to expect everything from our Father.
2861. What does “our bread” in “give us this day our daily bread” mean? (CCC 2830) “Our bread” in “give us this day our daily bread” means the nourishment life requires, both material and spiritual.
2862. Why is the petition for bread connected with the hunger in the world? (CCC 2831-2833) The petition for bread is connected with the hunger in the world, because we cannot receive the bread without sharing it with the poor.
2863. Why do the faithful say grace at meals? (CCC 2834) The faithful say grace at meals in order to ask for food and to thank for it.
2864. What famine does the prophet Amos denounce? (CCC 2835) The prophet Amos denounces the famine of hearing the words of the Lord (Am 8).
2865. What does “this day” in “give us this day our daily bread” mean? (CCC 2836) “This day” in “give us this day our daily bread” means:
1. our mortal time
2. the today of God.
2866. What are the three senses of “daily” in “give us this day our daily bread”? (CCC 2837) The three senses of “daily” in “give us this day our daily bread” are:
1. the temporal sense: repeats “this day” to confirm us in trust
2. the qualitative sense: signifies what is necessary for life
3. the literal sense: refers to the Holy Eucharist.
“Daily” (Greek: epiousios) means literally “super-essential”.
2867. How does St Peter Chrysologus explain Christ as the bread of heaven? (CCC 2837) St Peter Chrysologus († 450) explains Christ as the bread of heaven who was sown in the Virgin, raised up in the flesh, kneaded in the Passion, baked in the oven of the tomb, reserved in churches, brought to altars and who furnishes the faithful each day with food from heaven.
2868. Under what condition will God “forgive us our trespasses”? (CCC 2838) God will “forgive us our trespasses” under the condition that we forgive those who trespassed against us.
2869. What are the efficacious signs of God’s forgiveness? (CCC 2839) The efficacious signs of God’s forgiveness are the sacraments.
2870. Why do we have to forgive in order to be forgiven? (CCC 2840) We have to forgive in order to be forgiven, because in refusing to forgive our brothers, our hearts are closed and their hardness makes them impervious to God’s love.
2871. How does the Sermon on the Mount emphasize “forgive us our trespasses”? (CCC 2841) The Sermon on the Mount emphasizes “forgive us our trespasses” by repeating and developing it at the end of the Our Father.
2872. What does the “as” mean in “as we forgive those who trespass against us”? (CCC 2842) The “as” in “as we forgive those who trespass against us” means that we must participate in God’s mercy and love.
2873. How can forgiveness be accomplished practically? (CCC 2843) Forgiveness can be accomplished practically by:
1. turning injury into compassion
2. purifying the memory in transforming the hurt into intercession.
It is not in our power not to feel or to forget an offence.
2874. Why is forgiveness essential for prayer? (CCC 2844) Forgiveness is essential for prayer, because only hearts attuned to God’s compassion can receive the gift of prayer.
2875. For what does “and lead us not into temptation” pray? (CCC 2846) “And lead us not into temptation” prays that God may not:
1. allow us to enter into temptation
2. let us yield to temptation.
2876. Why is temptation a lie? (CCC 2847) Temptation is a lie, because its object appears to be good and desirable while, in reality, its fruit is death.
2877. What is vigilance in the context of temptations? (CCC 2849) In the context of temptations vigilance is custody of the heart.
2878. What is final perseverance? (CCC 2849) Final perseverance is persistence until the last temptation of our earthly battle.
2879. To what does “evil” in the petition “deliver us from evil” refer? (CCC 2851) “Evil” in the petition “deliver us from evil” refers to a person, Satan.
2880. What will the definitive defeat of Satan entail for all creation? (CCC 2852) The definitive defeat of Satan will entail that all creation will be freed from sin and death.
2881. When was victory over Satan won once for all? (CCC 2853) Victory over Satan was won once for all at the Hour when Christ freely gave Himself up to death.
2882. For what do we also ask when we pray to be delivered from Satan? (CCC 2854) When we pray to be delivered from Satan, we also ask to be delivered from all evils, present, past and future, of which he is the author or instigator.
2883. How does the final doxology take up the first three petitions of the Our Father? (CCC 2855) The final doxology takes up the first three petitions of the Our Father through the reference to the coming Kingdom, the power of God’s will and the glory of His name.
The final doxology is: “For the kingdom, the power and the glory are Yours, now and forever.
2884. What word ends the Our Father? (CCC 2856) The word “Amen” ends the Our Father.
2885. What does “Amen” mean? (CCC 2856) “Amen” means: “So be it.”
2886. What is the object of the seven petitions of the Our Father? (CCC 2857) The object of the seven petitions of the Our Father is:
1. the glory of the Father in the first three petitions
2. our wants to the Father in the last four petitions.
2887. What does the first petition “hallowed be Thy name” pray for? (CCC 2858) The first petition “hallowed be Thy name” prays for the sanctification of the Father’s name by us and in us, in every nation and in each man.
2888. What does the second petition “Thy kingdom come” pray for? (CCC 2859) The second petition “Thy kingdom come” prays for:
1. Christ’s Second Coming
2. the growth of the Kingdom of God.
2889. What does the third petition “Thy will be done” pray for? (CCC 2860) The third petition “Thy will be done” prays for uniting our will to that of Christ.
2890. To what does “our daily bread” in the forth petition “give us this day our daily bread” refer? (CCC 2861) “Our daily bread” in the forth petition “give us this day our daily bread” refers to:
1. the earthly nourishment
2. the Holy Eucharist
3. the Word of God.
2891. For what does the fifth petition “and forgive us our trespasses” pray? (CCC 2862) The fifth petition “and forgive us our trespasses” prays for God’s mercy for our offences.
2892. For what does the sixth petition “lead us not into temptation” pray? (CCC 2863) The sixth petition “lead us not into temptation” prays God not to allow us to take the path to sin.
2893. For what does the seventh petition “but deliver us from evil” pray? (CCC 2864) The seventh petition “but deliver us from evil” prays for being freed from Satan.
2894. What does the final “Amen” of the Our Father express? (CCC 2865) The final “Amen” of the Our Father expresses our wish that its seven petitions may be fulfilled.